Alan Arkin, a universally acclaimed actor who received an Oscar for his turn in Little Miss Sunshine, has died.
In a statement to Variety on Friday, the actor’s sons—Adam, Matthew, and Anthony—confirmed their father’s passing at the age of 89.
“Our father was a uniquely talented force of nature, both as an artist and a man,” the statement read. “A loving husband, father, grand and great grandfather, he was adored and will be deeply missed.”
Arkin’s Oscar win in 2007 was both well-deserved and long overdue, as the actor had previously been nominated for his performances in The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming and The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter in 1967 and 1969, respectively. Most recently, he received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his turn in 2012's Ben Affleck-directed historical thriller Argo.
Known for possessing a range that was arguably unmatched in his field, Arkin’s extended filmography spanned over seven decades. His revered work also extended to television and to Broadway, with his performance in the 1963 play Enter Laughing earning him a Tony.
Other key performances from Arkin (though his entire catalog is worth studying) include The Kominsky Method, The In-Laws, Edward Scissorhands, Grosse Pointe Blank, and Catch-22. Most recently, Arkin provided the voice of Wild Knuckles in the 2022 animated hit Minions: The Rise of Gru.
As a director, Arkin helmed the 1971 adaptation of Little Murders and the '77 comedy Fire Sale.
When speaking on his process, Arkin was always quick to note the importance of his many collaborators by highlighting how a single part simply won't work unless it's part of a greater whole.
“More than anything, I am deeply moved by the openhearted appreciation our small film has received, which in these fragmented times speaks so openly of the possibility of innocence, growth, and connection,” Arkin said when accepting his Best Supporting Actor Oscar for Little Miss Sunshine at the 79th Academy Awards. “Acting for me has always been and always will be a team sport. I cannot work at all unless I feel a spirit of unity around me.”
Rest in power.
