Alan Arkin, beloved ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ actor, dead at 89

Oscar-winning actor Alan Arkin, known for his roles in “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Catch-22,” has died at age 89.

His sons, Adam, Matthew and Anthony, confirmed the sad news to People Friday.

“Our father was a uniquely talented force of nature, both as an artist and a man,” they said in a statement. “A loving husband, father, grand and great grandfather, he was adored and will be deeply missed.”

Jason Alexander alerted fans to the “Kominsky Method” alum’s passing via Twitter earlier that morning.

“#ripAlanArkin,” the comedian, 63, wrote. “Such a wonderful, original voice for comedy. And on the few occasions I was in his presence, a kind and generous soul.”

Alan Arkin at Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2019
The actor is known for work both onstage and onscreen.
Getty Images

Alexander continued, “I learned so much from watching him. And the laughs I got from his glorious work seem endless. May he rest well.”


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Page Six has reached out to Arkin’s rep for comment.

The “Heart Is a Lonely Hunter” star made headlines back in November 2015 when he was hospitalized after a minor stroke.

He was released the following day.

Greg Kinnear, Abigail Breslin, Alan Arkin, Steve Carell, Paul Dano and Toni Collette in "Little Miss Sunshine"
Arkin won an Academy Award for his role in “Little Miss Sunshine.”
©Fox Searchlight/Courtesy Everett Collection
Alan Arkin and Audrey Hepburn in "Wait Until Dark"
The screenwriter acted in “Wait Until Dark” and many more movies over the years.
Getty Images

Arkin is an award-winning actor who began his career on Broadway, making his debut in 1961 performance of “From the Second City.”


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Two years later, the director won a Tony Award for his role in “Enter Laughing.” He received his second, this time for “The Sunshine Boys,” in 1975.

As for his work onscreen, Arkin took home an Oscar for his supporting role in “Little Miss Sunshine” in 2006, as well as a Golden Globe for “The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming” 40 years prior.

Alan Arkin and Suzanne Newlander
He is survived by wife Suzanne Newlander.
FilmMagic

The screenwriter has also graced TV screens over the years, most notably playing Norman Newlander in “The Kominsky Method” from 2018 to 2021. Additionally Arkin voiced J.D. Salinger in “BoJack Horseman.”

Arkin was nominated for both an Emmy and Golden Globe two years in a row for his “Kominsky Method” role.

He is survived by wife Suzanne Newlande, whom he wed in 1996, and his three sons.

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