Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers Remember NBC Late-Night Exec Rick Ludwin (Videos)

Ludwin passed Sunday night after battling what a network spokeswoman called “a brief illness”

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Late-night hosts Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers all took time out of their Monday shows to remember former NBC executive Rick Ludwin, who passed away Sunday night at age 71.

As the head of NBC’s late-night until 2012, a job that included oversight of “Saturday Night Live,” Ludwin played a role in each of their careers. Yes, Ludwin was their boss — he was also their friend.

Watch their lovely remembrances below, beginning with Conan, whom Ludwin backed during that whole messy Jay Leno to Conan and back to Leno “Tonight Show” fiasco. Each comedian individual shared the history of Ludwin single-handedly saving “Seinfeld.” And why not? It’s a story worth telling.

Yes, all of us comedy fans owe a debt of gratitude to Rick Ludwin.

And Fallon:

Finally, here is Meyers:

“The entire NBC family is deeply saddened today by the news of Rick Ludwin’s passing. Rick left an indelible mark in his 30-plus years at the network, with a rich legacy that lives on to this day,” George Cheeks, vice chairman of NBCUniversal Content Studios, said on Monday. “From Carson to Fallon and Seinfeld, Rick was instrumental in many of our greatest successes. Our thoughts are with Rick’s family and loved ones as we remember a broadcasting legend and colleague.”

On Monday, a network spokeswoman told TheWrap Ludwin passed following “a brief illness.”

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