Hollywood is in mourning following the death of Oscar-nominated actor George Segal, at the age of 87.
George was known for playing both dramatic and comedic roles, bagging an Oscar nomination in 1967 for Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? and sharing the screen with Barbra Streisand in the early rom-com The Owl And The Pussycat.
He later won praise for his work in sitcoms, including a Golden Globe-nominated stint in the workplace comedy Just Shoot Me! and, more recently, a role in the US show The Goldbergs, in which he had played Pops since 2013.
The actor died on Tuesday night, following complications from bypass surgery, his wife Sonia Segal confirmed to Entertainment Weekly.
Following the news of George’s death, a number of his former colleagues and famous friends have been paying their respects on social media.
The Goldbergs creator Adam F Goldberg wrote on Twitter: “Today we lost a legend. It was a true honor being a small part of George Segal’s amazing legacy. By pure fate, I ended up casting the perfect person to play Pops.
“Just like my grandfather, George was a kid at heart with a magical spark. I think these memories say it all.”
Today we lost a legend. It was a true honor being a small part of George Segal’s amazing legacy. By pure fate, I ended up casting the perfect person to play Pops. Just like my grandfather, George was a kid at heart with a magical spark. I think these memories say it all… pic.twitter.com/D1aNZuT20e
— Adam F. Goldberg (@adamfgoldberg) March 24, 2021
A statement was also posted on the show’s official Twitter page, which read: “For eight years, George Segal made us laugh as Pops on The Goldbergs but his legacy in the entertainment world spans decades. His talent has left an indelible mark and we’re grateful for all the laughter and joy he has given us all.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his wife, Sonia, and his family during this difficult time.”
— The Goldbergs (@TheGoldbergsABC) March 24, 2021
Those who knew and worked with George have also been sharing tributes, with many reflecting on their memories of the late star’s kindness and their experiences of being with him on set:
So sorry to hear about George Segal‘s passing. We had such fun making Owl and the Pussycat. May he Rest In Peace…
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) March 24, 2021
My personal favorite George Segal movie is “The Hot Rock”. What a career. What a nice man, what an iconic cool funny 70’s movie star. #RIP
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) March 24, 2021
So sad about the loss of George Segal. I grew up loving his films, from “Where’s Poppa?” to Sidney Lumet’s “Bye Bye Braverman,” to “The Hot Rock.” I got to work with him several times. This was last year at lunch. My deep sympathies to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/HgQ6Z63kXO
— bob saget (@bobsaget) March 24, 2021
I was in a writers room once about 20 years ago and George Segal suddenly walked in and said “Are these the writers? I want to meet the writers!” He shook hands with all of us and then left. RIP.
— David A. Goodman (@DavidAGoodman) March 24, 2021
So beyond sad and heartbroken to say goodbye to my film dad, the late, great #GeorgeSegal – I was so starstruck on set. To my surprise he not only let me ask him about all of his incredible experiences but indulged me in stories I could have never possibly imagined. RIP 🙏 pic.twitter.com/LcIeOXof1c
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) March 24, 2021
So sorry to hear of the passing of the wonderful George Segal! We did The Zany Adventures of Robin Hood together & I guested on Just Shoot Me. One of a kind and always a joy! #RIPGeorge#RIPGeorgeSegal 💔💔 pic.twitter.com/fEZpQSUkBU
— Morgan Fairchild (@morgfair) March 24, 2021
Shocked and saddened to hear of #GeorgeSegal passing away!
From being on set of #JustShootMe to directing him on #Goldbergs, he was a true gem and great man. He will be missed! https://t.co/1SvToqUEGH— Melissa Joan Hart (@MelissaJoanHart) March 24, 2021
In 2005, I got to be in a couple scenes w #GeorgeSegal and James Marsden in Chris Terrio’s first film #Heights and it is, still, one of my favorite days ever working. A gem. We were in awe. And man, he made us laugh. #RIP
— Elizabeth Banks (@ElizabethBanks) March 24, 2021
I loved George Segal. RIP.
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) March 24, 2021
My friend, who had an amazing and wonderful life. And who luckily wasn't a terrific poker player. RIP #georgesegal, godspeed. pic.twitter.com/SokVxnmG0f
— Willie Garson 🇺🇸 (@WillieGarson) March 24, 2021
Aw! Rip #GeorgeSegal. I used to play poker with him at Norby Walters weekly game. Just a great vibrant man with a wonderfully dry sense of humor. https://t.co/np1B7egQrJ
— Jennifer Tilly (@JenniferTilly) March 24, 2021
Dearest George Segal, thank you for the chance to play your daughter in “It’s My Party.” You were just the best and so lovely to me. My love to your wife and family. RIP dear, sweet George. pic.twitter.com/81x1G5Oy6o
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) March 24, 2021
So sad to hear or #georgesegal passing. I loved working with him on #CarolineintheCity and directed him recently on @TheGoldbergsABC he was class talent and a gift to us all #rip friend. pic.twitter.com/8z7u6FsXt1
— Lea Thompson (@LeaKThompson) March 24, 2021
The best. Good bye George. We love you. Thank you. #RIPGeorgeSegal#GeorgeSegal ❤️🙏🏽❤️ pic.twitter.com/9CPFQQLNnZ
— Cedric Yarbrough (@cedricyarbrough) March 24, 2021
Rest In Peace, George Segal, a movie star who commanded our attention while still seeming like one of us. I loved so many of his films: California Split, The Hot Rock, Blume in Love, A Touch of Class, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. 🙏❤️
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) March 24, 2021
George Segal was a wonderful actor and a lovely, charming, funny man. Thanks for all you left us, sir.#RIPGeorgeSegal
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) March 24, 2021
RIP George Segal. Basically everything he did was iconic, he represents the 1970s. But California Split is the one. It’s a masterpiece. One of my all-time favorite films that combines the two absolute best of the decade with Altman and the wonderful world of degenerate gambling. pic.twitter.com/PaD9MNy1iY
— Sean O'Connor (@seanoconnz) March 24, 2021
In 2017, George was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.
His other recent on-screen credits include a leading role in the short-lived sitcom Retired At 35 and a voice appearance in a 2018 episode of The Simpsons, in an homage to his Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? role.
The actor is survived by his wife of 25 years, Sonia Segal.
He also had two daughters from his previous marriage to film editor Marion Segal Freed.