Actor Alan Arkin may be best known for his Oscar-winning role in the film “Little Miss Sunshine,” but he also has a multitude of other film and TV credits to his name. Some of his most notable credits include “Argo,” “Glengarry Glen Ross,” and “Edward Scissorhands.” He also appeared in 17 episodes of the Netflix shows “The Kominsky Method,” and most recently, he was the voice of Wild Knuckles in the animated film “Minons: The Rise of Gru.”
Unfortunately, Arkin’s three sons, Adam Arkin, Matthew Arkin, and Anthony Dana Arkin, have jointly shared the sad news that their father has died. In a joint statement, they explained, “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.” He was 89 years old.
Arkin’s sons did not include a cause of death in their statement. According to his biography on IMDB, Arkin was in Carlsbad, California, at the time of his death on June 29, 2023, and the cause of death is listed as “natural causes.”
Arkin was born in New York City, but he grew up in Los Angeles. Since childhood, he enjoyed art, music, writing and acting. After graduating from Franklin High School in Los Angeles, he attended Los Angeles City College before transferring to Bennington College in Vermont.
He didn’t graduate from college. Instead, he dropped out to join a folk band called The Tarriers. He was the group’s lead singer and he also played the guitar. He helped write the song “The Banana Boat Song” which became a hit when Harry Belafonte sang it. The song made it to #4 on the Billboard chart.
Arkin made his big screen debut in 1957 in “Calypso Heat Wave.” He performed in the film as the lead singer of The Tarriers. One year later, he appeared Off-Broadway in the play “Heloise.” He ended up going on to become one of the first members of Chicago’s “Second City” improve theater troupe.
Long before he won an Oscar for “Little Miss Sunshine,” Arkin won a Tony for “Enter Laughing” In 1963. Arkin also received Oscar nominations for his roles in “The Russians Are Coming the Russians Are Coming” and “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter.” He also earned six Emmy nominations including his most recent nomination for “The Kominsky Method.”
Watch the video below to learn more about Arkin’s life, career and the sad news about his death.
Arkin is survived by his wife Suzanne Newlander and his three sons.
Rest in peace.
