Alan Arkin (L), with the great cast of 2006’s Little Miss Sunshine, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor
In a career that spanned eight decades, Alan Arkin filled the screen with memorable roles in such films as The In-Laws, Argo, Glengarry Glen Ross, Catch-22 and Little Miss Sunshine, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2007. The beloved actor died June 29, 2023, at age 89, at his Carlsbad, Calif. home. His sons, Adam, Matthew and Anthony, announced his death, noting, “Our father was a uniquely talented force of nature, both as an artist and a man.” The Hollywood community is paying tribute, noting Arkin’s range as both a serious and comedic actor.
John Cusack shared the screen with Arkin in 1997’s Grosse Pointe Blank.
“ At one point, Alan Arkin requested to do a last-minute rewrite of a scene, which made a handful of studio execs mighty uncomfortable. According to Cusack, he assured them, saying “Don’t worry. That’s Alan Arkin. Anything he’s gonna do is gonna make this thing even better “… pic.twitter.com/kad9gNz24R
— John Cusack (@johncusack) June 30, 2023
When I was a young actor people wanted to know if I wanted to be a serious actor or a funny one. I’d answer “Which kind is Alan Arkin?” and that shut them up.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) June 30, 2023
#ripAlanArkin 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.
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) June 30, 2023
Watch him in his Academy Award-winning role in Little Miss Sunshine. (We’re not crying, you’re crying.)
Abigail Breslin was just nine years-old when the movie was filmed. In tribute, she wrote, in part: “Alan Arkin was one of the most kindest gentlest and hilarious actors I ever worked with. We may not have been related in real life but he will always be Grandpa in my heart.”
Steve Carell was one of that film’s great cast. He told People, “When I first met Alan, he gave me a business card.” It said ‘Alan Arkin: Actor Director, Musician. Can drive stick shift. Owns own tux.’ He was my idol, my friend, and I loved him.”
From Billy Crystal: “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.”
Did ANYONE have the range Alan Arkin had? Hilarious, sinister, insane, tragic. No mood he couldn’t live in. RIP. pic.twitter.com/pUVa5j8Tqc
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) June 30, 2023
One of Arkin’s final acting roles was in the TV series The Kominsky Method, opposite Michael Douglas, for which he earned two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Douglas wrote, “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.”
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Watch Arkin delivery the eulogy at the funeral of his character’s wife in The Kominsky Method. (You’ll laugh, you’ll cry.)
Paul Reiser also appeared in the series.
A world without Alan Arkin is …not so great. 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.
— Paul Reiser (@PaulReiser) June 30, 2023
Watch Arkin and Peter Falk in 1979’s The In-Laws
Phil Rosenthal, the creator of TV’s Everybody Loves Raymond, referenced a memorable scene in The In-Laws when he wrote, “Alan Arkin is one of the all time greatest and an absolute favorite. Brilliant. Rest in Peace, sir. Serpentine! ❤️”
The great Alan Arkin has passed at 89!
He made acting look EASY & always seemed like he was having a ball.#alanarkin 🎭❤️🎭 pic.twitter.com/cVeFTkT2oN— MichaelRapaport (@MichaelRapaport) June 30, 2023
From one of Saturday Night Live‘s original writers…
Today we lost a brilliant actor and one of the nicest people I’ve had the honor of working with. R.I.P Alan Arkin #AlanArkin pic.twitter.com/9d1ymb2wKw
— Alan Zweibel (@AlanZweibel) June 30, 2023
Arkin was born March 26, 1934, in Brooklyn, N.Y. In 1956, he had a top 10 hit, “Cindy, Oh Cindy,” as a member of the folk group the Tarriers.
Related: Musicians and celebrities we’ve lost in 2023
1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationI first saw Alan in “Wait Until Dark”. Two terrific players: Alan, and the always lovely Audrey Hepburn.