In Memoriam: David A. Arnold, comedian, writer, & showrunner passes away

David A. Arnold, a comedian, actor, writer, producer, and a showrunner for Nickelodeon’s ‘That Girl Lay Lay,’ passed away Wednesday.

David A. Arnold death details

The Arnold family issued a statement confirming the death. “It is with great sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our husband, father, brother and friend, David A. Arnold.

David passed away peacefully today in his home and doctors have ruled the cause of death due to natural causes. Please keep our family in prayer and respect our privacy at this time, as we are all shocked and devasted by this loss.”

He was 54.

Career

Arnold started his career as a stand-up comic, performing at the Montreal Comedy Festival and on Jamie Foxx’s Laffapalooza on Comedy Central, among other projects.

He wrote episodes of several comedy shows, including Meet The Browns (TBS), The Rickey Smiley Show (TV One), Raising Whitley (OWN) and Tyler Perry’s House of Payne (TBS). He also created and was the showrunner on Nickelodeon’s That Girl Lay Lay, making him one of the few Black showrunners in Hollywood.

Arnold has his own stand-up comedy special on Netflix, David A. Arnold: Fat Ballerina, and had another comedy special on the streamer which premiered July 19, called It Ain’t For The Weak.

He was also very active on social media often including his family into his comedy.

Rest in peace.

Featured Photo Credit: Susie Pearl Lifestyle Photography llc. 2021