George Segal has died following bypass surgery

Actor George Segalhas died at 87 after a career on stage, film and television that spanned more than six decades.

Segal died on Tuesday morning, in Santa Rosa, California, of complications from bypass surgery, his wife, Sonia, said in a statement.

The Oscar nominated actor was born on Feb. 13, 1932, and raised in New York. He  served in the U.S. Army before graduating from Columbia University with a degree in drama.

Segal made his stage debut in 1955 in a production of Moliere’s Don Juan. He appeared in over 70 films but it was his role as a young married professor in the 1966 classic,Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, that elevated him onto Hollywood’s A-list. Mike Nichols directed the adaptation of Edward Albee’s play, which earned Oscar nominations for Segal, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Sandy but only Taylor and Dennis won.

More recently he has built a sustained career in television with comedic television roles that exposed him to younger audiences., most notably  as the magazine-owning dad on the long-running NBC sitcom Just Shoot Me.followed by the exuberant and indulgent grandfather, Albert “Pops” Solomon, on the The Goldbergs since 2013. He had just finished filming the latest series.

The show’s entire team issued a statement following Segal’s death.

On behalf of everyone at The Goldbergs we are devastated at the loss of our dear friend, George. 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.”

Sony Pictures TV, which produces The Goldbergs, also released a statement

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.