Film, TV and theatre actor Jon Korkes has died.
The HBO star has died at the age of 80 according to an announcement from the drama school where he was a tutor. The performer appeared in countless films and theatrical productions, featuring in Little Murders and Catch-22, as well as the television series Oz.
His passing was confirmed by New York’s Stella Adler Studio of Acting, where he had been teaching since 2008 before retiring last November. The institution released an official statement that sparked a wave of heartfelt tributes from his former pupils.
They stated: “We mourn the passing of Jon Korkes, beloved actor, teacher and longtime member of the Stella Adler Studio community,” reports the Express. The school celebrated his career spanning “more than five decades” and continued: “Jon’s legacy lives on through the countless actors he inspired… on stage, on screen, and in the classroom. He will be deeply missed.”
They hailed him as an educator who brought decades of expertise and “loved teaching”. His extensive career included his most recognised role, despite brief screen time, as the young Snowden in Catch-22 in 1970.
(Image: YouTube)
Speaking previously about the experience, Jon said: “Nicols and Arkin and Feiffer and all those people started me. They were like the slightly older kids who let me play ball with them, and they showed me things and didn’t kick me out. You don’t forget that.”
His television career included appearances in programmes such as All in the Family and Law & Order: Criminal Intent, as well as playing corrections officer Tom Robinson across six episodes of Oz during the show’s final three seasons.
Heartfelt tributes flooded in from his pupils, as one posted online: “Rest in peace, Mr Korkes. I’m very grateful to have taken scene study with you.”
(Image: GB News)
Another shared: “This truly breaks my heart to hear. The news hit me like a brick wall. Jon was such a kind and caring soul. If you put the work in and cared, he’d help you to believe in yourself. He helped me to keep my flame of acting alive. May he rest in peace eternally.”
A third student penned: “Jon had a passion for his students and the craft of acting that was unparalleled. The memories I have from the two scene studies I took with him will stay with me for a lifetime. Not only did he bring out the best in each of us in the class, but he inspired us to be better and grow.”
Join the Daily Star’s WhatsApp for the sexiest headlines, showbiz gossip and lots more
The Daily Star is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join us!
Through the app, we’ll send you the sassiest showbiz stories, some naught headline and a seismic smattering of aliens…along with the latest breaking news of course.
To join our community, all you have to do to join is click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in!
No one will be able to see who has sign up and no one can send messages except for the Daily Star team. We also treat our community members to competitions, special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN
Have you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz here
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter
