Charles Grodin, the comic, scene-stealing actor who later established himself as an unrivaled curmudgeonly talk show guest, died today at his home in Wilton, Conn. He was 86 years old.
His uncle, Nicholas, told The New York Times that bone marrow cancer was the cause of death. Grodin died peacefully at his home, according to a spokesperson.
Best known for “The Heartbreak Kid,” “Midnight Run” and “Beethoven,” Grodin also starred in “Dave,” “The Woman in Red,” “Rosemary’s Baby,” and “Heaven Can Wait,” and was known for his hapless, dry-wit style that would become his signature.
He appeared alongside Ellen Burstyn in the long-running 1970s comedy “Same Time, Next Year” on Broadway, among many other roles.
Grodin became known as a liberal radio and television columnist in the 1990s. He was also a playwright and a TV writer.