Christy Knowings, a comedian and actress best known for her years on Nickelodeon's sketch comedy series All That, died this week in California. She was 46.
Her father, Charles Dunn, confirmed her death to ABC News on Friday. No cause of death was given.
Knowings appeared on All That for three seasons from 1997 through 2000. Her castmates included Kenan Thompson, Kel Mitchell, Amanda Bynes, Lori Beth Denberg, Josh Server, and Nick Cannon.
Thompson was among the first to pay tribute, writing on Instagram: "Man this one hit hard!!! Rest well Christy!!! Never could have imagined this day!!" alongside a photo of Knowings. "Sending so much love to her family!! She was a real one and one of the funniest people out here!!! Gonna miss you buddy!!!"
Mitchell described Knowings in his own Instagram post as someone who brought a distinct creative energy to every performance. "So naturally funny, incredibly talented, and fearless when it came to comedy," he wrote. "She had a gift for creating characters that were big, memorable, and completely her own. I'll always be grateful for the laughs, the memories, and the time we shared as part of the All That family." He added: "Christy, thank you for sharing your incredible gift with all of us. Your talent, your characters, and the joy you brought to so many will never be forgotten. Sending my love and deepest condolences to Christy's family and loved ones. Rest in Heaven, @christyknowings."
Al Hill, a manager for Knowings, described her range in a statement to ABC News. "Christy was a multi talented lady. Whether it was singing, acting, dancing, she was always creating. Always professional and dedicated to her work," Hill said.
In a 2019 interview with Bustle, Knowings talked about a character she created during her time on the show. "My favorite moment on set was when I started to do this character in Season 6 named Gloria Bankhead," she said. "She was an over-the-top Martha Stewart, I had never played any character like her! I just remember being on set and being her all-day long. Everybody loved it!"
She also reflected on what the show's diverse cast meant to its success. "I'm from the Bronx and Native American Afro-Latina, so I was able to bring so much to the table. We would bring cultural nuances and it was celebrated," she said. She added that All That "showcased the unity that we all wanted, needed and still need in a very humorous way."
