Alan Arkin remembered as screen 'legend' who always seemed to be 'having a ball'

The Little Miss Sunshine actor has passed away at the age of 89

Julia Hunt
·Contributor
·2 min read
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Alan Arkin arrives at the world premiere of
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Alan Arkin was remembered as a “legendary” actor who "always seemed like he was having a ball" after his death at the age of 89.

The Little Miss Sunshine star’s sons confirmed to People that he had passed away, saying in a statement that he “was adored and will be deeply missed".

Arkin’s fellow actors flocked to pay tribute after hearing the sad news, with many recalling how he could play any character.

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“Did ANYONE have the range Alan Arkin had?” comedian and actor Patton Oswalt posted on Twitter.

“Hilarious, sinister, insane, tragic.

"No mood he couldn’t live in.

"RIP.”

Karate Kid star Ralph Macchio said Arkin was “truly one of a kind”.

“Alan Arkin - legendary in every aspect and any genre,” he tweeted.

“His range was and is... beyond!”

ALAN ARKIN, STEVE CARELL, PAUL DANO, ABIGAIL BRESLIN, TONI COLLETTE, GREG KINNEAR, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, 2006
Alan Arkin in Little Miss Sunshine. (PA Images/Alamy)

Mad About You actor Paul Reiser said: "A world without Alan Arkin is …not so great.

"I’ve loved this man from the moment he came on screen in 'The Russians Are Coming..' (Whitaker Walt!l) I was 8.

"Getting to know him - and getting a laugh out of him - is a highlight of my life."

"RIP dear friend," he added.

Radio star Danny Baker shared a clip of Arkin in the 1979 film The In Laws, tweeting: "Alan Arkin in one of the most fantastically insane films of the 20th Century.

"The crazed ancestor of Curb Your Enthusiasm."

Ellen Barkin praised the actor's "rare" talent.

WESTWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Alan Arkin arrives for the Premiere Of Netflix's
Alan Arkin was remembered for his incredible range. (Getty Images)

"Alan Arkin was so talented with astounding range," said the Sea Of Love star.

"He could do it all and he did. And brilliantly. Watching him over the years taught me so much about acting. Talent like this is rare indeed.

"Rest in Peace Alan Arkin."

The Heat’s Michael Rapaport said the late star “made acting look EASY & always seemed like he was having a ball”.

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Announcing Arkin's death, his sons Adam, Matthew and Anthony said in their statement to People: "Our father was a uniquely talented force of nature, both as an artist and a man. A loving husband, father, grand and great grandfather, he was adored and will be deeply missed."

Watch: Alan Arkin, Oscar-winning actor, dies at age 89