By Chantal Da Silva -
NBC News
Meat Loaf, a singer and actor whose debut album
Bat Out of Hell
became one of the best-selling albums of all time in 1977, has died at the age of 74, his family announced Friday.
"Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah at his side," read a post on the Facebook page.
The cause of death has not yet been clarified.
He passed away surrounded by his loved ones, including his daughters Pearl and Amanda.
Meat Loaf poses for a photo in Australia in 2011. Newspix via Getty Images
Born Marvin Lee Aday in Dallas, Texas, the rock musician's career spanned six decades in the music and film industries.
He was beloved by his fans and
achieved unlikely rock stardom
with his dark, theatrical anthems and iconic long-haired look.
He also became known for the song
I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)
and for playing Eddie in the cult film
Rocky Horror Picture Show
, with his song
Hot Patootie (Bless My Soul).
His singles
Two of Three Ain't Bad
and
Paradise by the Dashboard Light
were certified platinum in 2018, according to the Recording Industry Association of America.
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Meat Loaf had an "amazing career": he was a Grammy winner, sold more than 100 million records worldwide, and
appeared in more than 65 movies.
His acting career included roles in
The Fight Club
,
Wayne's World,
and
Focus
.
The origin of the Meat Loaf nickname is mysterious and its supposed beginnings range from a favorite recipe of his mother, who passed away when he was a teenager, to his weight.
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"We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all the love and support as we go through this time of grief over the loss of such an inspiring artist and such a beautiful man," the post about the singer read.
Tributes to the artist came from all over the world this Friday morning.
"I am shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Meat Loaf," singer Bonnie Tyler said in a tweet.
"He was, as you can imagine, a larger-than-life character, with a voice and stage presence to match, and he's one of those rare people who really had a unique talent and personality," added Tyler, famous for his interpretation of
Total Eclipse of the Heart.
"I hope paradise is like you remember it in the dash light, Meat Loaf," actor Stephen Fry said.
Singer Cher also took to Twitter and said, "I had so much fun with Meat Loaf when we did
Dead Ringer.
I'm so sorry to his family, friends, fans."
