Alan Arkin, the Academy Award-winning actor best known for his role in the film “Little Miss Sunshine,” passed away at the age of 89, according to an announcement from his family last Friday.
Arkin, whose illustrious career spanned over six decades, was born to Russian-German Jewish immigrant parents in Brooklyn. He moved to Los Angeles with his family during his childhood. Arkin began his creative journey at Bennington College, eventually leaving to form a music group named The Tarriers. Although the group was short-lived, it made a mark with their hit “The Banana Boat Song” in 1957.
Arkin went on to become a founding member of the Second City improvisational troupe. He continued to record music, releasing several children’s albums with his group, The Babysitter.
His love for acting was equally profound. Arkin made his Broadway debut in 1963 with the play “Enter Laughing,” a performance that won him a Tony Award. He directed and won a Drama Desk award for the 1968 play “Little Murders,” which he also directed for the big screen.
Arkin directed the original Broadway version of Neil Simon’s “The Sunshine Boys,” which ran for over 500 performances. His film debut as Rozanov in the 1966 war comedy, “The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming,” earned him an Oscar nomination.
Arkin achieved Oscar nominations for his roles in “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter” (1967), and “Argo” (2012). His most recent notable work was in the Netflix series “The Kominsky Method,” where his comedic performance earned him Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG award nominations.
Arkin’s sons, Adam, Matthew, and Anthony released a statement to CNN, describing their father as “a uniquely talented force of nature, both as an artist and a man.”
Alan Arkin is survived by his wife Suzanne, his sons Matthew, Anthony, and Adam, grandchildren Molly, Emmet, Atticus, and Abigail, and great-grandson Elliott. His family, friends, and fans mourn his loss, cherishing the lasting legacy he leaves behind in the world of entertainment.
