‘Big Lebowski’ Actor David Huddleston Dies At 85

David Huddleston, known for his role in The Big Lebowski, died Tuesday, August 2 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was 85 years old.

‘Big Lebowski’ Actor David Huddleston Dies At 85

Huddleston, born in 1930 in Vinton, Virginia, served first in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft engine mechanic before moving on to study acting in New York and embark on a career in theater.

According to the actor’s wife, Sarah C. Koeppe, he died of advanced heart and kidney disease. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, she spoke about her husband’s approach to life: “Things were not important to him–people were. He loved entertaining and would rather sit down and talk with someone over dinner.”

He was a prolific actor and will be remembered for his humorous roles in cult comedies.

Huddleston amassed over 100 screen credits since the 1960s. Among his best known films are The Big Lebowski, Santa Claus, Blazing Saddles and Frantic. Huddleston’s 55-year career spanned not only the big screen but the small screen too. He has made guest appearances on popular television shows, including, Gunsmoke, The West Wing, Gilmore Girls, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The Wonder Years.