‘The Goldbergs’ star George Segal dies at 87

George Segal, a Hollywood legend of film and TV, has sadly died. The Oscar-nominated actor reportedly passed away earlier this week following complications from bypass surgery. He was 87.

Variety was first to report to news on Tuesday, March 23. Segal’s wife Sonia confirmed her husband’s passing to the industry site, saying “The family is devastated to announce that this morning George Segal passed away due to complications from bypass surgery.”

Abe Hoch, who acted as Segal’s longtime manager, also confirmed the sad news of his client’s death. “I am saddened by the fact that my close friend and client of many years has passed away,” Hoch told Variety. “I will miss his warmth, humor, camaraderie and friendship. He was a wonderful human.”

Segal was currently starring as Albert ‘Pops’ Solomon on the sitcom The Goldbergs (watch now on Crave), which just aired its eighth season (a ninth season has not yet been confirmed). The show creators released a statement following the news of Segal’s passing. "On behalf of everyone at the Goldbergs we are devastated at the loss of our dear friend, George," read the statement. "He was kind, sweet, beyond talented and funny. George was the true epitome of class and he touched all of our lives so deeply. It was an honor and a privilege to have him as a colleague and friend all of these years. It is no surprise to any of us that knew him so well that he is a true national treasure. He will be missed by all. POPS, we will miss your banjo playing and your infectious laugh. Rest in peace."

ABC Entertainment, which makes The Goldbergs, released their own statement praising the dramatic and comedic actor. "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 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."

Many of Segal’s Goldberg castmates, including Wendi McLendon-Covey, Sean Giambrone, Patton Oswalt and show creator Adam Goldberg, paid tribute to the beloved actor on Twitter.

Segal’s impressive career spanned both television and films. Sony Pictures Television also released a statement about the late actor. "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of George Segal. He was a true icon and legend in this business and an integral member of our Sony family. George brightened the screen whenever he was on camera and was a warm and genuine gentleman. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. We will miss him greatly."

Born in New York, Segal began his career by studying at the Actor’s Studio and had small roles on Broadway. Unlike many other actors at the time, Segal decided against changing his last name to sound less Jewish, a move that would inspire other entertainers to do the same. In 1961, he signed with Columbia Pictures and made his film debut in The Young Doctors. Segal spent much of the 1960s splitting his time between film and television. During the following decade, he concentrated on films and was elevated to leading man status, appearing in Where’s Poppa, Bye Bye Braverman, The Hot Rock, Blume In Love, and California Split.

An avid musician, Segal released several banjo albums during his career. He was a frequent guest host for Johnny Carson and hosted the Academy Awards in 1976. In 2017, Segal’s career was honoured when the actor received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 1965, Segal won a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year for his film The Interns and starred in Stanley Kramer’s Ship of Fools opposite Vivien Leigh and Lee Marvin. The film was nominated for Best Picture that year at the Oscars. In 1966, he earned his first solo Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, playing a college professor opposite Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? In 1974, he won another Golden Globe for Best Actor for his film A Touch of Class. Segal’s career enjoyed a resurgence in the late 1990s and included two Golden Globe nominations for his role as magazine publisher Jack Gallo on the sitcom Just Shoot Me!.

Segal’s long and inspiring career earned him many co-stars and fans throughout his decades in Hollywood. Friends like David Spade, Barbra Streisand, Ben Stiller, Bob Saget, Jason Alexander and more shared their condolences and fond memories of Segal following the news of his death.

If you want to celebrate Segal's legacy with some of his best titles, check out Fun with Dick and Jane (co-starring Jane Fonda), Lost and Found (co-starring Glenda Jackson) and The Owl and the Pussy Cat (co-starring Barbra Streisand) which you can all watch for free on CTV Movies.

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