Taylor Negron, the actor and comedian best known for movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High, died Saturday, Jan. 10 surrounded by loved ones. He was 52.

Taylor Negron Dies

Negron’s cousin Chuck Negron announced his death, which followed a lengthy battle with cancer, in a video posted to YouTube titled “We just lost a wonderful man, my cousin Taylor Negron.”

“I want to inform you that my cousin Taylor Negron just passed away. His mother, his brother Alex and my brother Rene and his wife Julie were all there with him. May he rest in peace,” Chuck Negron said, adding, “I just want all you people who knew him and loved him that he just passed.”

Negron got his start in entertainment in his late teens when he worked as an intern for the iconic Lucille Ball. Speaking of his mentor, Negron once said, “I learned from Lucy that you never get what you really want and you have to be flexible,” in an interview with LA TV station KCET.

In addition to Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Negron acted on the big screen in The Last Boy Scout, Angels in the Outfield, Easy Money and more. On the small screen, Negron made appearances on Seinfeld, Friends, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Reno 911! and several other popular shows.

Since Negron’s passing was announced, numerous other comedy heavyweights, including Jon Lovitz, Jane Lynch, Ben Stiller and Billy Crystal, have taken to Twitter to express their sorrow.

Taylor Negron, a great comedian and one of the nicest people, ever. An actor, stand up & great improviser. A comic’s comic. Very sad. RIP

— Jon Lovitz (@realjonlovitz) January 11, 2015

Boy did I learn stuff from @Taylor_Negron Rest, my friend, rest. You did such a very good job.

— Jane Lynch (@janemarielynch) January 11, 2015

Taylor Negron was a very smart, funny caring individual with a unique comedic voice. #RESPECT

— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) January 11, 2015

So sad to hear of the loss of @Taylor_Negron. Brilliantly funny comedian actor and wonderful painter. #RestInPeace — Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) January 11, 2015