George Segal, who has shined in movies and on TV for more than five decades in films like Fun with Dick and Jane and The Owl and the Pussycat, and more recently TV shows Just Shoot Me and The Goldbergs, has passed away at the age of 87.
George Segal — A Legendary Performer
His wife, Sonia, announced the news, which was picked up by The Hollywood Reporter and others.
“The family is devastated to announce that this morning George Segal passed away due to complications from bypass surgery,” Sonia said in a statement.
A native of Long Island, Segal’s IMDb resume includes hundreds of films and TV guest work, with memorable roles in A Touch of Class, Carbon Copy, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? — the latter of which earned him his only Oscar nomination.
Over the past 25 years, the actor became known more for television, starring opposite David Spade for seven seasons in Just Shoot Me!, and then landing a role on the ABC hit The Goldbergs, which is now in Season 8. Adam Goldberg, the creator of The Goldbergs, was one of the first to express his sadness at the loss.
“Today we lost a legend. It was a true honor being a small part of George Segal’s amazing legacy,” he wrote on Twitter, adding photos and a fun recent exchange the two shared. “By pure fate, I ended up casting the perfect person to play Pops. Just like my grandfather, George was a kid at heart with a magical spark. I think these memories say it all…”
Sean Giambrone, who plays Adam on the show and worked the most with Segal on set, was obviously upset.
“My heart is broken. I lost a dear friend,” he wrote on Twitter. “Working with George was an honor and some of the happiest moments of my life. What a sweet & wonderful man. He was my confidant & teacher. When he smiled it changed my day. I wish everyone could have met him. Prayers are with the family.”
A who’s who of entertainment also took to social media to share memories, including Morgan Fairchild, Michael McKean, Josh Gad, Ben Stiller, and Marlee Matlin, all who worked with the Hollywood legend at one time or another.
Barbra Streisand was among those who chimed in. “So sorry to hear about George Segal’s passing,” she said. “We had such fun making Owl and the Pussycat. May he Rest In Peace.”
Ed Asner shared, “George Segal in Where’s Poppa was one of the biggest laughs I have ever had in a movie. He was a great actor. Too many of these type of posts lately. RIP George!”
Segal’s last appearance on The Goldbergs is scheduled to air on April 7.
Today we lost a legend. It was a true honor being a small part of George Segal’s amazing legacy. By pure fate, I ended up casting the perfect person to play Pops. Just like my grandfather, George was a kid at heart with a magical spark. I think these memories say it all… pic.twitter.com/D1aNZuT20e
— Adam F. Goldberg (@adamfgoldberg) March 24, 2021
George Segal in Where’s Poppa was one of the biggest laughs I have ever had in a movie. He was a great actor. Too many of these type of posts lately. RIP George!
— Ed Asner (@TheOnlyEdAsner) March 24, 2021
So sorry to hear about George Segal‘s passing. We had such fun making Owl and the Pussycat. May he Rest In Peace…
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) March 24, 2021
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