Oscar-winning actor dead at 89

Renowned actor Alan Arkin, known for his exceptional performances in films like “Little Miss Sunshine,” “Argo,” and “The Kominsky Method,” has passed away at the age of 89, according to his family. Arkin’s children, Adam, Matthew, and Anthony, released a statement expressing their love and admiration for their father, acknowledging his artistic genius and his profound impact as a family man.

Born on March 26, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York, Arkin embarked on his acting journey in 1957 with his on-screen debut in “Calypso Heat Wave.” In 1960, he became an early member of the renowned Chicago-based improv group, The Second City. Arkin made his television debut in a 1964 episode of “East Side/West Side.”

Arkin’s talent and dedication were recognized early on when he won a Tony Award in 1963 for best featured actor in a play for his outstanding performance in “Enter Laughing.” He received another Tony nomination for best direction of a play for “The Sunshine Boys” in 1973.

Throughout the 1960s, Arkin’s star continued to rise, leading to two Academy Award nominations for Best Actor. The first nomination came in 1967 for his role in Norman Jewison’s “The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming,” alongside Carl Reiner and Eva Marie Saint. Arkin received a Golden Globe for this performance. The second nomination arrived in 1969 for Robert Ellis Miller’s “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter,” where he starred opposite Sondra Locke.

Arkin’s talent extended beyond the silver screen, earning him six Emmy nominations throughout his career. He won his first Emmy nomination in 1967 for “ABC Stage 67” and later received two Emmys for his role in Chuck Lorre’s “The Kominsky Method” alongside Michael Douglas in 2019 and 2020. Arkin also received an Emmy for his guest appearance on “Chicago Hope” in 1997.

In the later years of his career, Arkin received two Best Supporting Actor Academy Award nominations. He won an Oscar in 2006 for his remarkable performance in Jonathan Dayton’s and Valerie Faris’s “Little Miss Sunshine,” alongside an exceptional ensemble cast. His second nomination came in 2013 for Ben Affleck’s “Argo.”

Arkin’s filmography boasts an array of memorable roles, including “Popi” (1969), “Catch-22” (1970), “The In-Laws” (1979), “Escape from Sobibor” (1987), “Edward Scissorhands” (1990), “Glengarry Glen Ross” (1992), and “Gattaca” (1997).

Beyond his film and television career, Arkin graced the small screen with appearances on iconic shows like “Sesame Street” and “The Muppet Show.” He shared these experiences with his second wife, Barbara Dana, whom he appeared alongside on “Sesame Street.” Arkin made a cameo appearance in the 2011 film featuring the beloved Muppet characters. He also left his mark on shows such as “Harry,” “100 Centre Street,” and “Bojack Horseman.”

Throughout his life, Arkin was married three times. His marriages were to Jeremy Yaffe from 1955 to 1961, Barbara Dana from 1964 to 1994, and Suzanne Newlander from 1996 until his passing. Arkin leaves behind a loving family, including his three sons, Adam, Matthew, and Anthony.