Aziz Ansari Calls the Late Harris Wittels the 'Greatest Comedy Writer Ever' in Tribute

Following the death of PARKS AND RECREATION writer Harris Wittels, the comedy community have been expressing their sorrow for the loss. The latest to do so, Aziz Ansari, used a Tumblr post to write his tribute.

"There are so few people that you meet in life that give you that feeling that you've found a real unique, original person," wrote the Tom Haverford actor. "Harris Wittels was one of those and we lost him yesterday."

"I'm still waiting for the other phone call to let me know that Harris is okay and this was all a horrible misunderstanding. I don't know when my brain is going to be able to process the terrible feeling that fills my heart with dread and my eyes with tears every 20 seconds when I realize this very special person is really gone.

"Anyone that was ever in a writers room with him knew he was probably the funniest comedy writer out there. He was just a machine."

BroadwayWorld previously reported that Harris Wittels, co-executive producer and writer for NBC's Parks and Recreation, was found dead at his Los Angeles home on Thursday of an apparent overdose. He was 30.

Wittels was also a stand-up comedian, a drummer for the band Don't Stop or We'll Die and a writer for The Sarah Silverman Program and The Suits.

In addition to exec producing and writing for Parks and Rec, he appeared on the show in a small role as an animal-control employee. The show, which has had a seven-season run on NBC, is heading into its series finale on Feb. 24.

Photo credit: Chris Haston/NBC

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