- Oscar-winning actor Alan Arkin passes away at 89, tributes pour in
- Arkin’s versatile career: From Little Miss Sunshine to Catch-22 and The Kominsky Method
- Remembering Arkin: Fond memories of his talent, humor, and kindness
The actor, who was nominated for an Academy Award four times, has appeared in over one hundred films and television shows. His family described him as a “uniquely talented artist and man.”
Michael Douglas has led tributes to Oscar-winning actor Alan Arkin, who passed away at the age of 89.
Arkin was named best supporting actor at the 2007 Academy Awards for his performance in Little Miss Sunshine.
On Friday, he passed away at his residence in Carlsbad, California.
Douglas, who co-starred with Arkin in the Emmy-nominated Netflix comedy series The Kominsky Method, posted on Instagram: “Today we lost a wonderful actor whose intelligence, sense of humor, and impeccable professionalism over the past seventy years have left an indelible imprint on our industry.
“Working with Alan was among my most memorable experiences. He will be missed terribly.”
John Cusack, who co-starred with Alan Arkin in the 1997 and 2001 films Grosse Pointe Blank and America’s Sweethearts, stated that he was “so sad”.
He added on Twitter, “My sympathies are with his son Adam and all of his loved ones. Your father brought light wherever he went.
“I feel he challenged me to be a better person simply by sharing his insights into people… his wicked sense of humor, his intelligence, and by his mere presence – what a guy!”
Billy Crystal likewise referred to Arkin as “one of our finest actors.”
The When Harry Met Sally star added, “His range was astounding: hilarious, heartbreaking, and horrifying. I treasure the opportunity I had to act alongside him in America’s Sweethearts.”
He was cherished.
In a joint statement, Arkin’s sons Adam, Matthew, and Anthony said, “Our father was an extraordinarily gifted artist and man.
He was a beloved spouse, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be sorely missed.
Arkin has appeared in over 100 films and television programs.
Four times he was nominated for an Academy Award, including in the category of best supporting actor for Argo.
Mia Farrow, who played Rosemary Baby in Rosemary’s Baby, was among the other Hollywood celebrities to pay tribute.
She continued, “Such a lovely person – obviously a fantastic actor. It was an honor to collaborate with him on The Last Unicorn. For me, he will always be “Schmendrick,” my indispensable companion during our quest for additional unicorns.”
Michael McKean, who appeared in This Is Spinal Tap and Better Call Saul, recalled collaborating with Arkin as well.
“When I was a young actor, people wanted to know whether I wanted to be a serious or comedic actor,” he wrote on Twitter. “I’d respond, “What kind is Alan Arkin?” to silence them.”
McKean added, “Charming, hilarious, and equipped with an impeccable b* detector, he was an absolute delight to be around.”
Paul Reiser, star of Aliens and Beverly Hills Cop, also wrote, “A world without Alan Arkin is… not so wonderful… My life’s greatest accomplishment has been getting to know him and making him giggle. RIP dear companion.”
While Seinfeld actor Jason Alexander described him as a “wonderful, original voice for comedy” and a “kind and generous soul,” he described him as having a “wonderful, original voice for comedy”
The greatest rejection I’ve ever received.
Arkin was initially rejected for the award-winning role in Little Miss Sunshine because the directors believed he appeared too healthy and trim.
He played an 80-year-old, drug-addicted grandpa in the film.
In a 2007 interview with The New York Times, Arkin jokingly flexed his biceps and adopted a bodybuilder pose while saying, “It’s the best rejection I’ve ever received in my life; they thought I was too macho.”
In 1966, he received his first Oscar nomination, for best actor, for portraying a Soviet seaman in the Cold War comedy The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are On Their Way!
In the 1967 film Wait Until Dark, opposite Audrey Hepburn, Arkin was praised for his performance as a psychopathic murderer.
Later, he stated that the experience made him uneasy because he “didn’t enjoy being cruel to her.”
Arkin has also appeared in the 1970 film adaptation of Catch-22 and the 1990 film adaptation of Edward Scissorhands.
Most recently, he lent his voice to the villain Wild Knuckles in the animated blockbuster Minions: The Rise of Gru.
Arkin was also a director, musician, author, and stage actor, garnering a Tony Award for his performance in Carl Reiner’s Enter Laughing in 1963.
