Fred Willard was arrested for lewd conduct last night in Hollywood when police caught him with his pants down in an adult movie theater ... TMZ has learned.

According to law enforcement sources, LAPD undercover vice officers went into the Tiki Theater in Hollywood and found the 78-year-old "Anchorman" star watching last night's feature ... with his penis exposed and in his hand -- aka, pulling a Pee-Wee Herman.

We're told Willard was arrested at 8:45PM and booked for lewd conduct.

It was a quick release -- we're told he was out of police custody a short while later.

Willard is best known for his memorable roles in "Best in Show", "For Your Consideration", "American Wedding" and "Everybody Loves Raymond."

According to IMDB, Fred is currently in pre-production for a movie entitled ... "The Yank."

http://www.tmz.com/

with his penis exposed and in his hand -- aka, pulling a Pee-Wee Herman.




As if that didnt paint a bad enough mental picture he was viewing Magic Mike at the time of the incident.





It was a quick release -- we're told he was out of police custody a short while later.



"Quick Release" "short while later" pun intended?

As if that didnt paint a bad enough mental picture he was viewing Magic Mike at the time of the incident.







"Quick Release" "short while later" pun intended?
You posted it before I could. Any word on when he will resume shooting? I hope he gets a grip on himself before he gets in more trouble. If anyone can pull it off Fred can.

His next movie is called "The Yank"? :eek: :lol: Does he know you can buy porn online and play at home?

"Quick Release" "short while later" pun intended?

Crap like this is why I very rarely ever post anything from TMZ. They can't report something without trying to be comedians about it. :rolleyes:

His next movie is called "The Yank"? :eek: :lol: Does he know you can buy porn online and play at home?
Maybe actors like to have an audience.

Crap like this is why I very rarely ever post anything from TMZ. They can't report something without trying to be comedians about it. :rolleyes:
Yes, that is quite a load coming from TMZ.

Wow, what a sticky situation for Fred! I just hope he hasn't made a mess all over the place, and that he can enjoy a happy ending.

Wow, what a sticky situation for Fred! I just hope he hasn't made a mess all over the place, and that he can enjoy a happy ending.
I'm sure his career will soon be up again, I'm think this is just a brief down moment for him. Stand firm Mr. Willard.

I think Fred can handle it. In a long, illustrious career, he's seen his share of the up-and-down, tug-and-pull world of Hollywood.

If he can just stick it out for a few more days I think this will blow over.

Maybe the penalty won't be too stiff.

PBS has fired Fred Willard from reality skein "Market Warriors," following his arrest on charges of committing a lewd act at a Los Angeles adult theater.

Net issued a brief statement Thursday regarding the firing: "Given the unfortunate news reported today, effective immediately, Fred Willard no longer will be involved with the 'Market Warriors' series."

No word on who will replace Willard on "Warriors" as offscreen host. Skein bowed last week on PBS.

Willard also hosts ABC's "Trust Us with Your Life" which also premiered last week. The network noted that since all episodes of the improv comedy series have already been filmed with Willard appearing on camera, it did not plan to make any changes to the program.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118056810

PBS has fired Fred Willard from reality skein "Market Warriors," following his arrest on charges of committing a lewd act at a Los Angeles adult theater.

Net issued a brief statement Thursday regarding the firing: "Given the unfortunate news reported today, effective immediately, Fred Willard no longer will be involved with the 'Market Warriors' series."

No word on who will replace Willard on "Warriors" as offscreen host. Skein bowed last week on PBS.

Willard also hosts ABC's "Trust Us with Your Life" which also premiered last week. The network noted that since all episodes of the improv comedy series have already been filmed with Willard appearing on camera, it did not plan to make any changes to the program.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118056810
I don't know what to think on this. He hasn't been convicted of anything yet or accused of harming anyone. Just poor judgment, especially if you are famous. At least he was in an adult business and not like he was at the local cineplex. He doesn't make what is supposed to be a kid's show like Pee Wee Herman was when he did the same thing. If this is the entire story I don't think I would fire him over it, no handshaking, but no firing. Especially since the PBS deal was voice-over, most viewers won't even know it is him.

I knew this would be hard on his career.

I don't know what to think on this. He hasn't been convicted of anything yet or accused of harming anyone. Just poor judgment, especially if you are famous. At least he was in an adult business and not like he was at the local cineplex. He doesn't make what is supposed to be a kid's show like Pee Wee Herman was when he did the same thing. If this is the entire story I don't think I would fire him over it, no handshaking, but no firing. Especially since the PBS deal was voice-over, most viewers won't even know it is him.

I would have fired him if I worked for PBS. PBS and Pussycat theater don't mix. I empathize with him but don't sympathize with him. He should have used wisdom. Instead, he used "dumb".

These jokes you are creating are hilarious!!! But guys, try and come on-oops trying to come is what got him into trouble in the first place. :lol: I'm not going to tell anymore jokes but I had to get that off my chest. I hope he'll be all right, though.

I supposed he is old enough to retire if he chooses to. I can understand people not wanting to hire him which is their choice, but I don't think this should be career ending. Since PBS has freed up some time he may get back up again and be shooting again before long.