Alan Arkin, the versatile actor who won an Oscar for his role in “Little Miss Sunshine” and was a familiar face in films, television, and theater for decades, died on June 29. He was 89.
Arkin’s sons Adam, Matthew, and Anthony said in a joint statement, “Our father was a uniquely talented force of nature, both as an artist and a man. A loving husband, father, grand and great grandfather, he was adored and will be deeply missed.”
The cause of death was not immediately released.
Arkin was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1934. He was a versatile actor who won numerous awards throughout his eight-decade career. He won an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony Award. He was also nominated for six Primetime Emmy Awards.
Arkin began his career on the Broadway stage, starring in Enter Laughing in 1963 and Luv in 1964. He later gained stardom with his roles in films such as The Russians Are Coming, Wait Until Dark, The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, Popi, Catch-22, and The In-Laws. He also took on supporting roles in Edward Scissorhands, Glengarry Glen Ross, Grosse Point Blank, Thirteen Conversations About One Thing, Sunshine Cleaning, Get Smart, and Argo. For his performance in Little Miss Sunshine, he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Arkin was also known for his roles on television, including Escape from Sobibor and The Pentagon Papers. He earned Primetime Emmy Award nominations for both of these roles. From 2015 to 2016, he voiced J.D. Salinger in the Netflix animated series BoJack Horseman. From 2018 to 2019, he starred as a talent agent in the Netflix comedy series The Kominsky Method, earning two consecutive nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Arkin was a talented actor who could play a wide range of characters. He was known for his comedic roles, but he was also a talented dramatic actor. He will be remembered for his many memorable performances.
Arkin is survived by his wife and three children.
Tributes to Arkin poured in after his death.
“My experience of working with Alan were some of my most memorable. He will be deeply missed. Sincere condolences to his wife, Suzanne, and his family,” said actor Michael Douglas, 78.
“Did ANYONE have the range Alan Arkin had?” Patton Oswalt, 54, tweeted as he shared a collage of photos featuring the late actor. “Hilarious, sinister, insane, tragic. No mood he couldn’t live in. RIP.”
“A world without Alan Arkin is … not so great,” Paul Reiser, 67, wrote about his Kominsky Method costar. “I’ve loved this man from the moment he came on screen in “The Russians Are Coming..” (“Whitaker Walt!l) I was 8. Getting to know him – and getting a laugh out of him – is a highlight of my life. RIP dear friend.”
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