Alan Arkin, the Oscar-winning actor known for his roles in "Little Miss Sunshine", "Argo" and "The Kominsky Method", has died at age 89, according to his family. "Our father was a uniquely talented force of nature, both as an artist and a man," Arkin's children, Adam, Matthew and Anthony, said in a statement Friday.
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| Alan Arkin |
Arkin was born in New York City in 1934 and started his career as a singer and guitarist in a folk group called The Tarriers. He later joined the Second City improvisational comedy troupe in Chicago and made his Broadway debut in 1963 with the play "Enter Laughing", which won him a Tony Award.
He transitioned to film and television in the 1960s and earned his first Oscar nomination for his performance as a Soviet submarine officer in the comedy "The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming" (1966). He received another nomination for his role as a deaf-mute man in the drama "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter" (1968).
He continued to work steadily in various genres, appearing in films such as "Catch-22" (1970), "The In-Laws" (1979), "Edward Scissorhands" (1990), "Glengarry Glen Ross" (1992) and "Gattaca" (1997). He also directed several films and plays, including "Little Murders" (1971) and "The Sunshine Boys" (1973).
He won his only Oscar for his supporting role as a heroin-snorting grandfather in the indie hit "Little Miss Sunshine" (2006), which also earned him a BAFTA and a Golden Globe. He was nominated again for his portrayal of a Hollywood producer in Ben Affleck's thriller "Argo" (2012).
He also received acclaim for his work on television, winning an Emmy for his guest role on "Chicago Hope" (1995) and earning nominations for his roles on "The Larry Sanders Show" (1998), "100 Centre Street" (2001) and "The Kominsky Method" (2019).
Arkin was known for his deadpan humor, sharp wit and versatile acting skills. He once said that he preferred playing characters who were "a little off-center". He also said that he never cared about fame or awards, but only about doing good work.
He is survived by his wife Suzanne Newlander Arkin, whom he married in 1996, and his three sons from previous marriages. He also had eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Entertainment Industry Reaction
The entertainment industry reacted with sadness and admiration to the death of Alan Arkin, who was widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation. Many celebrities who worked with him or were inspired by him shared their tributes and memories on social media, praising his talent, versatility, and humor.
Some of the notable reactions are:
Michael Douglas, who co-starred with Arkin in the Netflix comedy series "The Kominsky Method" , wrote on Instagram:
"Today we lost a wonderful actor whose intelligence, sense of comedy and consummate professionalism over the past 70 years has left an indelible mark on our industry. My experience of working with Alan were some of my most memorable. He will be deeply missed."
John Cusack, who worked with Alan Arkin in the films "Grosse Pointe Blank" and "America's Sweethearts", shared a story on Twitter about how he defended Arkin's creative choices on the set of the former film. He wrote:
"I said you have Alan Arkin wanting to personalize and deepen this comedy we’re making - I wrote it - he can say whatever the f--- he wants - sit back watch and feel lucky - please."
Billy Crystal, who co-starred with Arkin in the romantic comedy "America's Sweethearts", tweeted:
"Alan Arkin was one of our greatest actors. Hilarious, heartbreaking, and the ability to be terrifying, his range was amazing. I cherish the chance I had to act with him in #America ’s Sweethearts."
Mia Farrow, who voiced a unicorn alongside Arkin in the animated film "The Last Unicorn", wrote on Twitter:
"Very sad to learn of the death of Alan Arkin. Such a lovely person- of course, a great actor. It was a privilege to work with him in The Last Unicorn. For me he will always be 'Schmendrick' my invaluable magician companion on our search for other unicorns."
Bradley Whitford, who appeared with Arkin in the Oscar-winning film "Little Miss Sunshine", posted a scene from the film on Twitter and wrote:
"No greater comic actor. No greater dramatic actor. Not a coincidence. This scene is a clinic. Rest In Peace Alan Arkin. Well done, sir."
Jason Alexander, who starred in the sitcom "Seinfeld', tweeted:
"Such a wonderful, original voice for comedy. And on the few occasions I was in his presence, a kind and generous soul. I learned so much from watching him. And the laughs I got from his glorious work seem endless. May he rest well."
Ralph Macchio, who starred in the film series "The Karate Kid", tweeted:
"Alan Arkin - legendary in every aspect and any genre. His range was and is... beyond! Truly one of a kind. #ripAlanArkin ."
Michael Imperioli, who starred in the drama series "The Sopranos", posted on Instagram:
"The one and only ALAN ARKIN has left us. Arkin was a rare breed who had an infallible sense of truth that allowed him to shift with ease from the tragic to the hilarious in the blink of an eye. Such a great actor and such a great loss to cinema."
These are just some of the many expressions of love and respect for Alan Arkin, who touched many lives with his brilliant performances and unforgettable characters. He will be sorely missed by his fans, friends, and family.
Awards and Honors of Alan Arkin
1). He won the "Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor" and "BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor" for his comedic role as the elderly irascible grandfather in the independent comedy "Little Miss Sunshine"(2006).
2). Alan Arkin received "Academy Award nominations" for his roles in "The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming" (1966), "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" (1968), and "Argo" (2012).
3)- Alan won the "Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy** for his role in the Norman Jewison comedy "The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming" (1966).
4). He received two "Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture" along with the ensembles of "Little Miss Sunshine" (2006), and "Argo" (2012).
5). Alan Arkin received six "Primetime Emmy Award nominations", including two nominations for "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series" for "The Kominsky Method" (2018-present).
6). He received the "Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play" for "Enter Laughing" in 1963 and was nominated for the "Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play" for "The Sunshine Boys" in 1973.
7). He received a "Star on the Walk of Fame" in 2019.
These are just some of the many accolades that Alan Arkin received for his remarkable career as an actor, director, and screenwriter. He was widely respected and admired by his peers and fans alike. He left behind a legacy of memorable performances and unforgettable characters. Rest in peace, Alan Arkin.
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