George Kennedy dead: Naked Gun and Cool Hand Luke star dies aged 91
TMZ reported that the actor had suffered failing health ever since his wife Joan died a year ago
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
The star of the “Naked Gun” films and “Cool Hand Luke” George Kennedy has died at the age of 91.
TMZ reported that he passed away on Sunday morning at 4.30am in Boise, Idaho, according to his grandson Cory Schenkel.
Mr Schenkel said his grandfather had been suffering from deteriorating health for a little more than a year, ever since his wife Joan died. He had been in a hospice for over a month.
Mr Kennedy won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 1968 for his role in “Cool Hand Luke”. Other roles include police captain Ed Hocken in the three “Naked Gun” comedy films, “Airport 1975” and “Earthquake”.
The actor, who has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, played alongside Mark Wahlberg in the 2014 film “The Gambler”.
Viewers may also know Mr Kennedy as the oil tycoon Carter McKat from long-running CBS series “Dallas”.
Albert Brooks, who worked with Kennedy in his 1981 comedy film “Modern Romance”, offered his condolences on Twitter.
“R.I.P. George Kennedy,” he wrote. “Lucky enough to work with him in Modern Romance. Great guy."
Other fans took to social media to share their favourite moments of the actor.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments