'Jackass' Star Comedian Rip Taylor, Dead At The Age Of 84

Gettyimages | E. Charbonneau

Legendary comedian Rip Taylor, known by younger audiences at the guy who threw confetti at the end of 'Jackass' episodes and movies, is dead at the age of 84.

Taylor, has been in the comedy and television business for over six decades including many shows and comedy specials.

Gettyimages | J. Strauss

But, he is most known as the self-described "King of Confetti," because he famously doused his audience with huge amounts of colored paper.

Rip was well known by even a younger crowd of fans for his recurring role on the 'Jackass' tv show and movies throwing his confetti.

In several instances, he was seen in boat and using the confetti gag to end the episode or movie.

Charles Elmer Taylor aka Rip Taylor started his career appearing on the Jackie Gleason Show in the 1960s. He was a guest star on many TV shows racking up over 2000 credits.

As for how the gag became legendary, Taylor said in an interview, "I did props and I was 'The Prop Comedian.' I was dying like hell on Merv Griffin's show. The jokes were dumb, and I tore the 5 x 8 cards, threw them up in the air and it became confetti."

He continued, "I knocked over his desk, walked up the aisle, went to Sardi's and said, 'Well, that's the end of my television career.' I went home that night. Their switchboard had lit up. They said, 'Get the guy that went crazy!' And that is how the confetti started."

Taylor's death has started a trend on Twitter of posting videos and pictures of confetti.

Gettyimages | Kevin Winter

Celebrities are reacting on social media including David Alan Grier saying, "Rest n Peace Mr. Taylor. Loved you, grew up watching you. Thank you for all the laughter you brought me."

Al Roker also posted a message in reaction of the announcement, "For sheer exuberance, silliness and energy, it was hard to top

@RipTaylor" who passed away today at 84. Lived him in Carson and countless other shows #rip"

R.I.P