Iconic Actor George Segal Dies At 87

George Segal, an actor of the stage and film, died on Tuesday in Santa Rosa, California. He was 87-years-old.

His cause of death was due to complications from a bypass surgery, according to his wife Sonia Segal.

While he was mostly known for his comedic characters, Segal received an Oscar nomination for his role in 1966’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.

Segal’s acting career began Off-Broadway in 1956’s Don Juan and The Iceman Cometh.

In 1963, Segal than traveled to Los Angles to pursue a career in on-camera acting. He received roles on shows like, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Channing and The Doctors and the Nurses.

His film career took off in 1965 in films like King Rat (1965), The Quiller Memorandum (1966) and No Way to Treat A Lady (1968).

In 1979, Segal pulled out from 10 after he was sued by producer-director Blake Edwards, who received a reported $270,000 in the settlement. This event created problems for Segal’s career.

“Most of us get about 10 years at best [at the top],” Segal told The Los Angels Times in 2011. “As you get into playing father roles, the parts dry up because – I don’t mean to say it’s a sex thing – but you have that testosterone vitality. Then slowly you move into another category and there ain’t as many jobs there.”

In 2013, Segal starred in the role as Pops Solomon on ABC’s 80’s-set sitcom, The Goldbergs.

“On behalf of everyone at The Goldbergs, we are devastated at the loss of our dear friend George,” a statement from the show said. “He was kind, sweet, beyond talented and funny. George was the true epitome of class and he touched all of our lives so deeply. It was an honor and a privilege to have him as a colleague and friend all of these years. It is no surprise to any of us that knew him so well that he is a true national treasure.”

Segal is survived by his wife, his two daughters, three step-children and three grandchildren.