Actor Charles Grodin, well known for his work in films like Beethoven and Midnight Run, has died at 86. Grodin got his start in Hollywood during the late 1950s, with his first credited appearance a 1958 episode of Decision. He worked primarily in TV for the next decade, guest-starring on several series and appearing as a regular on the daytime soap opera The Young Marrieds. In 1968, Grodin landed the role of Dr. C.C. Hill in Rosemary's Baby, a small part that led to bigger roles over the next several years, including the lead in 1972's The Heartbreak Kid.
Throughout the '70s and '80s, Grodin starred in several iconic films, including King Kong (1976), Heaven Can Wait, and Midnight Run, the buddy comedy where he featured opposite Robert De Niro. One of Grodin's more memorable roles during that time came in 1981's The Great Muppet Caper, where he played a jewel thief named Nicky Holiday who falls in love with Miss Piggy. Grodin also became a well-known figure in late night TV, appearing frequently on both Johnny Carson and David Letterman's shows.
Per The New York Times, Grodin passed away on Tuesday, May 18 at his home in Wilton, Connecticut. Nicholas, Grodin's son, says his father died of bone marrow cancer. He's also survived by his wife Elissa Durwood, his daughter Marion Grodin, and one granddaughter.
In addition to his work in the '70s and '80s, Grodin will be remembered for his career over the last 30 years. In 1992, he played the patriarch of the family, George Newton, in the movie Beethoven opposite Bonnie Hunt. Grodin returned for the sequel, Beethoven's 2nd, the next year. The original film especially remains a beloved family classic, with Grodin's performance as an exasperated but caring father particularly memorable. In the late '90s and early 2000s, the actor pivoted to political commentating, working for 60 Minutes II and hosting his own talk show on CNBC.
After taking some time off from movies, he appeared in the 2006 comedy The Ex with Zach Braff. Over the next 15 years, Grodin took on a series of supporting roles in movies like The Comedian and Noah Baumbach's While We're Young with Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts. He also put in guest-star appearances on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and The Michael J. Fox Show. Grodin recurred on the FX series Louie as Dr. Bigelow in the final two seasons. His last on screen role is Arthur in the 2017 drama An Imperfect Murder, where he starred alongside Alec Baldwin and Sienna Miller. With so many iconic performances throughout his career, Grodin will be remembered for his fearlessness and commitment to the dozens of characters he portrayed.
R.I.P. Charles Grodin: April 21, 1935 - May 18, 2021
Source: The New York Times