Alan Arkin, Oscar-winning actor, dies at 89
1 min read 30 Jun 2023, 10:06 PM ISTOscar winner Alan Arkin of ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ fame has died at the age of 89
PremiumActor Alan Arkin, who won an Oscar award for his performance in “Little Miss Sunshine", has died at the age of 89, his sons have said in a statement. Alan Arkin was known for his wry wit and improvisation skills.
Alan Arkin's sons – Adam, Matthew and Anthony -- who all followed their father into the entertainment industry -- said he was "a uniquely talented force of nature, both as an artist and a man."
"A loving husband, father, grand and great grandfather, he was adored and will be deeply missed," they said in a statement.
Alan Arkin, born to Russian-German Jewish immigrant parents in Brooklyn on March 26, 1934, embarked on his acting journey at a tender age by enrolling in acting classes.
His family relocated to Los Angeles in the 1950s, and Alan Arkin won scholarships to various Los Angeles drama colleges before dropping out to form a folk music band, The Tarriers, in 1955.
The group had a hit with 1956's "The Banana Boat Song," and he continued to pursue a music career as well as acting for the next decade.
Alan Arkin was also a member of Chicago's storied Second City improvisational troupe, and appeared on the big screen for the first time with The Tarriers in 1957's "Calypso Heat Wave."
Making his Broadway debut in “From the Second City", Alan Arkin later went on to win a Tony Award for “Enter Laughing".
For his debut feature acting role in the 1966 comedy "The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming," Alan Arkin received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
His critics have believed that Alan Arkin's best performance was in “Catch 22".
Alan Arkin personally crafted the backstory for his character in “Little Miss Sunshine". “I love completely disreputable characters who spout philosophy. He's completely out there, wide open and nuts," he said. He won best supporting actor at the Oscar awards.
Alan Arkin won another Oscar nomination for “Argo".
well as four grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
(With agency inputs)
