Ricarlo Flanagan, ‘Shameless’ Actor and ‘Last Comic Standing’ Contestant, Dies at 40

By Fletcher Peters Twitter @fIetcherpeters
Published Oct. 13, 2021, 12:57 p.m. ET

Where to Stream:

Shameless

Powered by Reelgood

More On:

obits

Ricarlo Flanagan, an actor, rapper and stand-up comedian known for starring in Shameless and competing on Last Comic Standing, died over the weekend of COVID complications. He was 40.

“Sadly this pandemic has taken the life of an extremely talented performer and even nicer human being,” Flanagan’s talent representative told Variety. “Ricarlo will be greatly missed.”

Earlier this month, Flanagan tweeted about contracting COVID-19, saying, “This COVID is no joke. I don’t wish this on anybody.”

The comic got his start in 2013, releasing debut comedy album Man Law. He then went on to compete in the ninth and last season of NBC’s hit series Last Comic Standing in 2015, becoming a semifinalist.

While also working in comedy, Flanagan was an actor. He had a recurring role in the eight season of Showtime’s Shameless, where he starred as Davey, Debbie’s friend in the series. He had appearances on Walk the Prank, The Mick, The Carmichael Show, Insecure, Room 104, and Mad About You.

Per his talent representative, Flanagan’s most recent credits include an episode of Peacock’s new comedy series Bust Down and the new Aubrey Plaza-led movie Emily the Criminal, marking Flanagan’s foray into film acting.

Performing under the name of Father Flanagn, the comic also had a rap career with three music albums: Death of Davinchi, An Opus Inspired by Andre Martin, and Hope Your Proud. His latest album, Both Sides of the Brain, was set to release yesterday (Oct. 12), per his Twitter.

Flanagan’s friends have created a GoFundMe campaign to provide assistance to the comic’s family as they mourn their loss.

“The news of a loved one’s death is never something easy to hear, let alone if you are far away from the individual,” reads the GoFundMe’s description. “Our dear friend has suddenly passed away and sadly was far from his family. Ricarlo Flanagan was a loving son, grandson, cousin, nephew and friend with many amazing talents. He brought laughter to every room he walked in.”