‘All That’ star Christy Knowings dies at 46 after reported asthma attack

The actress and comedian, who appeared on more than 30 episodes of Nickelodeon’s hit sketch comedy series, is being remembered by former castmates including Kenan Thompson.

Christy Knowings, the actress and comedian who helped define a generation of Nickelodeon sketch comedy on “All That,” has died. She was 46.

Knowings, who joined the hit series in 1997 and appeared in more than 30 episodes over three seasons, reportedly died Tuesday after suffering complications from an asthma attack that left her with brain damage, according to TMZ.

The news prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and former castmates, including fellow “All That” star Kenan Thompson.

“Rest in peace to one of the funniest people out here!!” Thompson wrote on Instagram. “My sister in comedy forever!! You were a huge part of one of the greatest eras of “All That” and we all loved you!!”

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He continued, “Prayers up for your family and loved ones!! Love you CK!!”

Knowings joined “All That” during the show’s original run, becoming part of the ensemble that helped cement the Nickelodeon series as a launching pad for young comedy talent. Often described as a kid-friendly version of “Saturday Night Live,” “All That” introduced audiences to future stars including Amanda Bynes, Nick Cannon, Kel Mitchell and Thompson while inspiring spinoffs such as “Kenan & Kel,” “The Amanda Show” and “The Nick Cannon Show.”

During her time on the show, Knowings portrayed a variety of memorable characters, including Penny Lane and Jessica in the recurring “Whateverrr!!!” sketches opposite Amanda Bynes. In later interviews, she said one of her favorite characters to play was Gloria Bankhead, a parody inspired by lifestyle icon Martha Stewart.

After leaving “All That,” Knowings continued acting, appearing in the 2009 drama ‘Mother and Child,’ and several episodes of “Sesame Street” alongside her twin brother, actor Chris Knowings. In 2020, she also released the folk-inspired single “To the World.”

Knowings’ death marks the second loss within the “All That” family this year. Former cast member Kianna Underwood died in January after a hit-and-run crash in Brooklyn.

Representatives for Knowings had not publicly commented on her death as of Thursday afternoon.