Alan Arkin death: Natasha Lyonne and John Cusack lead tributes for Oscar-winning actor
Tributes from across the entertainment industry are pouring in for the late actor Alan Arkin who died aged 89 on Friday (30 June).
The veteran actor is best known for his Oscar-winning role as the cantankerous grandpa in the 2006 comedy Little Miss Sunshine.
The news was announced by his sons Adam, Matthew and Anthony, who shared a joint statement on behalf of the family: “Our father 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.”
Over the course of his illustrious career, Arkin became known for his deadpan delivery and acerbic characters.
He also earned Oscar nominations for the 1966 film The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming, the 1968 film The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter and Ben Affleck’s 2012 film Argo.
On Twitter, Arkin’s co-stars from over the years reacted to the news of his death.
Poker Face star Natasha Lyonne, who worked with Arkin on the 1998 comedy-drama Slums of Beverly Hills, wrote: “I love this man so much. The favorite of all my movie dads.”
I love this man so much. The favorite of all my movie dads and so brilliant,
inspiring and kind for so long. ♥️♥️ https://t.co/IK44X85oDQ— natasha lyonne (@nlyonne) June 30, 2023
Seinfeld actor Jason Alexander who worked with Arkin on Rob Reiner’s 1994 family comedy North, wrote: “I learned so much from watching him. And the laughs I got from his glorious work seem endless.”
#ripAlanArkin Such a wonderful, original voice for comedy. And on the few occasions I was in his presence, a kind and generous soul. I learned so much from watching him. And the laughs I got from his glorious work seem endless. May he rest well.
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) June 30, 2023
John Cusack, who co-wrote 1997’s Grosse Pointe Blank, remembered a scene that had notes from Arkin.
“‘At one point, Alan Arkin requested to do a last-minute rewrite of a scene, which made a handful of studio execs mighty uncomfortable. According to Cusack, he assured them, saying ‘Don’t worry. That’s Alan Arkin. Anything he’s gonna do is gonna make this thing even better,’” Cusack quoted from a recent news report. “This is true – he wanted to rework the scene – a few people got their worried fear faces on – I looked at them kindly but as if they’d gone insane – I said you have Alan Arkin wanting to personalize and deepen this comedy we’re making – I wrote it – he can say whatever the f*** he wants – sit back watch and feel lucky – please.”
“ At one point, Alan Arkin requested to do a last-minute rewrite of a scene, which made a handful of studio execs mighty uncomfortable. According to Cusack, he assured them, saying "Don't worry. That's Alan Arkin. Anything he's gonna do is gonna make this thing even better “… pic.twitter.com/kad9gNz24R
— John Cusack (@johncusack) June 30, 2023
The Sopranos and The White Lotus star Michael Imperioli remembered Arkin on Instagram, writing: “Arkin was a rare breed who had an infallible sense of truth that allowed him to shift with ease from the tragic to the hilarious in the blink of an eye.”
Paul Reiser, who starred alongside Arkin on Netflix’s recent sitcom The Kominsky Method, wrote: “A world without Alan Arkin is… not so great. I’ve loved this man from the moment he came on screen in The Russians Are Coming. (Whitaker Walt!) I was 8. Getting to know him – and getting a laugh out of him – is a highlight of my life.”
A world without Alan Arkin is …not so great. I’ve loved this man from the moment he came on screen in “The Russians Are Coming..” (“Whitaker Walt!l) I was 8. Getting to know him - and getting a laugh out of him - is a highlight of my life. RIP dear friend.
— Paul Reiser (@PaulReiser) June 30, 2023
Patton Oswalt asked: “Did ANYONE have the range Alan Arkin had? Hilarious, sinister, insane, tragic. No mood he couldn’t live in.”
Did ANYONE have the range Alan Arkin had? Hilarious, sinister, insane, tragic. No mood he couldn’t live in. RIP. pic.twitter.com/pUVa5j8Tqc
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) June 30, 2023
Arkin is survived by his third wife, Suzanne Newlander, whom he married in 1996, two sons, Adam and Matthew, from his first marriage, and a son, Anthony, from his second marriage.
Find many more tributes to Arkin below:
Very sad to learn of the death of Alan Arkin. Such a lovely person- of course, a great actor. It was a privilege to work with him in The Last Unicorn. For me he will always be ‘Schmendrick’ my invaluable magician companion on our search for other unicorns pic.twitter.com/uiIlQJhcqJ
— Mia Farrow🌻🇺🇸 🏳️🌈 (@MiaFarrow) June 30, 2023
He brought a little bit of sunshine to every role he was in. RIP Alan Arkin. pic.twitter.com/GJ3Sf22xnq
— Joe Russo (@joerussotweets) June 30, 2023
When I was a young actor people wanted to know if I wanted to be a serious actor or a funny one. I'd answer "Which kind is Alan Arkin?" and that shut them up.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) June 30, 2023
This one hurts as he really was one of my favourite Actors of all time.
My bottom line with an Actor is simply this - do I believe what they’re saying?
I believed every word that came out of ALAN ARKIN’s mouth - he was that good.
Legacy assured and #RIPAlanArkin pic.twitter.com/35nx2yyFe8— Michael Warburton (@MichaelWarbur17) June 30, 2023
So sad to hear about Alan Arkin. A brilliant actor who was a thrill to work with and a thrill to watch work.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) June 30, 2023
Alan Arkin - legendary in every aspect and any genre. His range was and is... beyond! Truly one of a kind. #ripAlanArkin
— Ralph Macchio (@ralphmacchio) June 30, 2023