Actor George Segal, who starred in the television sitcoms “The Goldbergs” and “Just Shoot Me” and was nominated for an Academy Award for the 1966 movie, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf,” died Tuesday, his wife said. He was 87.
Segal’s wife, Sonia, announced the actor’s death, saying, “The family is devastated to announce that this morning George Segal passed away due to complications from bypass surgery.” Segal died in Santa Rosa, California, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
George Segal, Leading Man of Lighthearted Comedies, Dies at 87 https://t.co/W7lk2bEy1Y
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 24, 2021
Segal’s movie career included roles in “Where’s Poppa?”, “The Owl and the Pussycat,” “A Touch of Class,” “California Split” and “Fun With Dick and Jane.”
A native of Great Neck, New York, Segal was known for his comedic role, but it was his dramatic role in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” that garnered him an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor, Variety reported.
Today we lost a legend. It was a true honor being a small part of George Segal’s amazing legacy. By pure fate, I ended up casting the perfect person to play Pops. Just like my grandfather, George was a kid at heart with a magical spark. I think these memories say it all... pic.twitter.com/D1aNZuT20e
— Adam F. Goldberg (@adamfgoldberg) March 24, 2021
Elizabeth Taylor and Sandy Dennis won Academy Awards for their roles in the film. Richard Burton also received a nomination.
More recently, Segal was known to television audiences for his role as magazine publisher Jack Gallo on “Just Shoot Me” from 1997 to 2003, and as Albert “Pops” Solomon on “The Goldbergs” since 2013, The Associated Press reported.
Segal also had roles on “Murphy’s Law” and “Take Five.”
George Segal, whose long career included playing Albert “Pops” Solomon on “The Goldbergs,” and garnering an Oscar nom for supporting actor for “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf,” died Tuesday. He was 87. https://t.co/4lH8TNy8Hz pic.twitter.com/1U8s8agv2J
— Variety (@Variety) March 24, 2021
“I am saddened by the fact that my close friend and client of many years has passed away,” Segal’s longtime manager Abe Hoch, said in a statement. “I will miss his warmth, humor, camaraderie and friendship. He was a wonderful human.”
After being signed by Columbia Pictures, Segal had his first film role in “The Young Doctors,” Variety reported. His first major film role was in “Ship of Fools,” and he also appeared in “King Rat,” the website reported.
Segal also starred in several acclaimed films for television, including “Of Mice and Men,” “Death of a Salesman” and “The Desperate Hours.”
Cox Media Group