Oscar-nominated actor George Segal has died, his rep confirmed to ABC News. He was 87.
Segal, known for playing Albert “Pops” Solomon on the ABC sitcom "The Goldbergs," died Tuesday.
His wife of 25 years, Sonia Segal, said in a statement, "The family is devastated to announce that this morning George Segal passed away due to complications from bypass surgery."
Segal's manager and friend, Abe Hoch, also mourned the beloved actor, saying, "I am saddened by the fact that my close friend and client of many years has passed away. I will miss his warmth, humor, camaraderie and friendship. He was a wonderful human."
Tributes continued pouring in for the late actor Wednesday morning.
"Goldbergs" creator Adam Goldberg honored the late actor by sharing a series of fun throwback photos of Segal. He 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."
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
The cast of the "Goldbergs" as well as Sony Entertainment released statements about the actor's death.
"George was the true epitome of class and he touched all of our lives so deeply," said the "Goldbergs" cast. "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."
Sony Entertainment called Segal a "true icon and legend" and noted how he "brightened the screen whenever he was on camera and was a warm and genuine gentleman."
ABC Entertainment said in a statement, "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."
Segal's final appearance on "The Goldbergs" is slated to air on April 7.
Segal was nominated for an Academy Award in 1967 for his role in "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" He was also a prominent movie actor in the 1960s and 1970s. Some of his more notable films during that time period include "The Hot Rock" and "A Touch of Class."
He also starred in several 90s hits, such as "Look Who's Talking Now" and "The Cable Guy."
The two-time Golden Globe winner also appeared in recurring roles in "Murphy's Law," "Retired at 35," "Just Shoot Me!" and "Take Five."
He is survived by his spouse Sonia and daughters Polly Segal and Elizabeth Segal, of whom he shared with ex-wife and late film producer Marion Sorbel.
