Jerry Stiller has died aged 92 of “natural causes”.
The US actor and comedian is best remembered for his iconic role on the TV show Seinfeld, playing George Costanzas’ father Frank, and on The King of Queens.
His actor son, Ben Stiller, broke the news of his father’s death in a heartfelt statement posted over social media today.
He announced: “I’m sad to say that my father, Jerry Stiller, passed away from natural causes.
“He was a great dad and grandfather, and the most dedicated husband to Anne for about 62 years. He will be greatly missed. Love you Dad.”
US actor and comedian Jerry Stiller has died aged 92 (Image: NY Daily News via Getty Images)
Born in Brooklyn, Stiller launched his acting career after returning from service in the US army during World War II.
In the 60s and 70s, he grew to acclaim as part of the comedy duo “Stiller and Meara,” along with his wife, Anne Meara.
The two, who tied the knot in 1954, met in an acting agent’s office, where Stiller invited the young starlet out for coffee.
Ben broke the news of his father’s death with a touching tribute (Image: CBS via Getty Images)
Parents to two children – Ben and his actor sister Amy Stiller – Jerry and Anne were happily married until her tragic death in 2015.
In the 90s and early 2000s, his roles on Seinfeld and The King of Queens – playing Arthur Spooner – made him a household name with the younger generations.
The beloved comic won several awards for his role in Seinfeld, including an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series in 1997, as well as winning the American Comedy Award for Funniest Male Guest Appearance in a TV Series.
Jerry is survived by his children, Amy and Ben, and his grandchildren (Image: The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images)
Ben and his dad Jerry regularly starred alongside one another in Hollywood films, including Zoolander, Heavyweights, Hot Pursuit, The Heartbreak Kid and Zoolander 2.
In 2000, Stiller wrote a memoir about his life and happy marriage, titled: Married to Laughter: A Love Story Featuring Anne Meara.
He is survived by his children, Amy and Ben, and his two grandchildren.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
