Jon Polito, the Philadelphia-born actor best known for his roles in The Big Lebowski, Miller's Crossing and Barton Fink, has died at the age of 65.
Polito featured in more than 100 films, and appeared in numerous televisions shows since the early 1980s. He was also known for his voice over work, according to the New York Daily News.
The news of Polito’s death was made public on Friday morning by film director John McNaughton, who said he counted him as both a close friend and a collaborator.
“John is probably best known for his work in Coen Brothers films. Jon and I worked together in TV starting with episodes of Homicide: Life on the Street, some pilots and Masters of Horror,” Mr McNaughton wrote.
“He appeared in over 100 films, countless TV episodes and on Broadway. Jon was a born actor and will be deeply missed by his legion of friends, fans, family and of course his longtime partner, Darryl Armbruster to whom I send my condolences. RIP old pal.”
His most recent role was in the film The Maestro, which is currently in pre-production.
In 2012, Polito received the award for Best Actor from the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival for his role in the short film Anti-Muse.
Besides his on-screen fame, the actor also starred in several Broadway productions, including the 1984 revival of Death of a Salesman, which was broadcast on CBS.
Polito had been with his partner, fellow actor Darryl Armbruster, since 2000. The cause of his death has yet to be announced.
