Meat Loaf, Entertainer Known For 'I'd Do Anything For Love,' Countless Other Hits, Dies At 74
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — The rock star musician and actor known to the world as Meat Loaf died Thursday at the age of 74.
"Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side. Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours," a statement released by his family via his official Facebook page read.
The cause of death has yet to be announced.
Born in Dallas, Texas, as Marvin Aday in 1947, he would change his name to Michael in 1984, but countless fans across the world knew him simply as Meat Loaf.
"We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man," the statement continued.
Fellow musicians, actors and celebrities took to social media following news of his passing early Friday morning.
He began performing in the 1960s as an actor and musician, before his career really took off with the release of his debut album, "Bat Out of Hell," in 1977. It was a best-selling collaboration, with more than 40 millions sales, with songwriter Jim Steinman and producer Todd Rundgren and made Meat Loaf one of the most popular performers in rock.
Over the course of his career, he would release 12 studio albums, earning countless platinum and gold certifications. He was also awarded with the Grammy for Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance in 1994 for "I Would Do Anything For Love."
His acting career also saw him star in several successful films like "Fight Club "and "Wayne's World." He famously played the biker Eddie in the theater and film versions of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" in the 1970s. He also appeared in the TV shows "Glee" and "South Park." In all, he would appear in over 60 movies and television shows.
The family's statement concluded with a final message: "From his heart to your souls… don't ever stop rocking!"
He is survived by Deborah Gillespie, his wife since 2007, and by daughters Pearl and Amanda Aday.
(© Copyright 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)
