Charles Grodin, Star Of ‘Beethoven’, ‘Heartbreak Kid,’ Dies At 86

Actor Charles Grodin has passed away in his home at the age of 86.

Grodin’s son, Nicholas, confirmed the news with The New York Times, citing bone marrow cancer as the cause.

Grodin, known for his deadpan comedy, starred in films like Beethoven, The Heartbreak Kid, and Midnight Run. He also appeared in Same Time, Next Year on Broadway. Grodin had his own talk show in the 1990s, The Charles Grodin Show. He also frequently appeared on others’ late night shows. (NYT lists a total of 36 appearances on Johnny Carson and 17 on David Letterman.)

Though Grodin never received a prestigious acting award, his career as a writer gained critical acclaim. He won an Emmy Award for a 1977 Paul Simon TV special.

Grodin also appeared in 1968’s Rosemary’s Baby, 1970’s Catch-22, and 1978’s Heaven Can Wait. Decades later, Grodin had a career resurgence, taking on TV roles in shows like Law and Order: SVU and Louie.

There are facial expressions that Charles Grodin make in Beethoven that have been imprinted into my brain for decades. The disdain this one man had for his dog was the funniest thing on the planet for a 5 year old Trevor. And it's still funny. This man never phoned it in. RIP. pic.twitter.com/ES8BS2uRQL

— tjd (@tjdobbin) May 18, 2021

RIP Charles Grodin. I had the honor of working with him on an episode of SVU, & he was wonderful to be around. What was especially impressive was hearing about the unheralded, extensive advocacy work he was doing on behalf of incarcerated women. He was thoroughly committed to it.

— Anthony Rapp Voted for Biden Black Lives Matter (@albinokid) May 18, 2021

Charles Grodin in the original Heartbreak Kid is one of the most underrated comic performances of all time in one of the most underrated film comedies of all time. RIP to a true master. pic.twitter.com/FUnQWTRBVx

— Bryan Behar (@bryanbehar) May 18, 2021

My heart is heavy today – we lost the bright and talented, Charles Grodin. All my love and empathy to beautiful family – he will be incredibly missed! Taking Care of Business was one of my favorite sets I ever worked on. Here’s to Charles!

— Cannabis Farmer: Jim Belushi (@JimBelushi) May 18, 2021

Source: New York Times