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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Grammy Award-winning singer, rock star and actor Meat Loaf was being remembered for best-selling album ``Bat Out of Hell,'' his role in the ``The Rocky Horror Picture Show,'' his kindness and charisma following his death at age 74.
The singer, who was born Marvin Lee Aday, died Thursday, according to a statement posted by his family on his official Facebook page.
``Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight,'' the statement said. ``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... From his heart to your souls -- don't ever stop rocking!''
No cause of death was released, but he had numerous health scares over the years. TMZ said the cause was complications from COVID-19.
``Had So Much Fun With Meatloaf When We Did `Dead Ringer,' '' Cher tweeted. ``Am Very Sorry For His Family, Friends, & Fans. Am I imagining It, or Are Amazing Ppl In The Arts Dying every other Day??''
Singer Adam Lambert posted a photo of himself with Meat Loaf while noting his influence as a mentor and rock icon.
``A gentle-hearted powerhouse rockstar forever and ever,'' Lambert wrote. ``You were so kind. Your music will always be iconic. I'm sure you're singing concerts in the great beyond. Rest In Peace sir. #MeatLoafRIP #Meatloaf.''
His friend, actor-writer-director Stephen Fry, referenced the Meat Loaf hit `Paradise by the Dashboard Light'' while recalling a time when the two performed together.
``I hope paradise is as you remember it from the dashboard life, Meat Loaf,'' Fry tweeted. ``Had a fun time performing a sketch with him on `Saturday Night Live' way back in the last century -- he had the quality of being simultaneously frightening and cuddly, which is rare and rather wonderful.''
Meat Loaf recorded several hit songs, including ``Two Out of Three Ain't Bad,'' and ``I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That).''
``Bat Out of Hell,'' was released in 1977. After a slow start, it became 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.
``Bat Out of Hell'' included the songs ``You Took The Words Right Out of My Mouth,'' the title track, and ``Two Out of Three Ain't Bad'' and ``Paradise By the Dashboard Light.''
As an actor, Meat Loaf appeared in the movie ``Fight Club'' and TV shows ``Glee'' and ``South Park.''
In the 1970s, he played the biker Eddie in the theater and film versions of ``The Rocky Horror Picture Show.''
Meat Loaf's other albums included ``Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster is Loose,'' ``Hell in a Handbasket'' and ``Braver Than We Are.''
Meat Loaf was raised in Dallas, Texas, and was the son of a school teacher who was a single mom. He attended Lubbock Christian College and what is now the University of North Texas.
He is survived by Deborah Gillespie, his wife since 2007, and by daughters Pearl and Amanda Aday.