He was best known for 'The Larry Sanders Show' and his extensive Broadway and film career
Celebrated actor Rip Torn has died at the age of 88.
The Texas-born actor was a fixture on the silver screen for almost seven decades, making his debut in the 1956 film 'Baby Doll'. He went on to star in films such as 'Men in Black', 'Dodgeball, 'The Insider' and 'Defending Your Life', although his best-known role was as Artie on 'The Larry Sanders Show'. The role earned him multiple awards, including an Emmy in 1996. Other TV work included everything from 'Colombo' to 'Will & Grace' and '30 Rock', while he also enjoyed a celebrated career in theatre.
He died yesterday at his home in Lakeville, Connecticut and is survived by his six children, Anjelica, Tony, Danae, Claire, Jonathan and Katie, and his third wife of thirty years, actress Amy Wright.
Friends, fans and colleagues have been paying tribute on Twitter:
R.I.P Rip Torn. He was so great in Defending Your Life. I'll miss you Rip, you were a true original.
— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) July 10, 2019
Rip Torn had an extensive and uniquely hilarious career. He’ll be missed. pic.twitter.com/hqNjvNDvw4
— comedycentral (@ComedyCentral) July 10, 2019
RIP Rip Torn. A god. Here are some of my favorite lines from Artie pic.twitter.com/baWxuiDTPo
— Brendan James (@deep_beige) July 10, 2019
"Never think you're better than anyone else, but don't let anyone treat you like you're worse than they are." Rest in peace, Rip Torn, an unapologetic maverick and gifted actor whose singular presence on screens big and small was always welcome. pic.twitter.com/BnQEwzuFgz
— Tribeca (@Tribeca) July 10, 2019
Rip Torn really made me laugh. One of the truly talented. He was effortlessly funny. Rest In Peace
— Tom Segura AKA Mr. Ladybug (@tomsegura) July 10, 2019
“Fear is like a giant fog. It sits on your brain and blocks everything. Real feeling, true happiness, real joy, they can't get through that fog. But you lift it ... buddy you're in for the ride of your life." - Rip Torn in “Defending Your Life” Rest in peace Rip.
— Tom Green (@tomgreenlive) July 10, 2019
RIP Rip Torn. I wish PAYDAY were streaming somewhere because it's a wonderful movie and Torn is great in it, in a rare leading role. But you can pretty easily find DEFENDING YOUR LIFE and (of course) THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW. Watch them!
— Noel Murray (@NoelMu) July 10, 2019