Alan Arkin, the Oscar-winning actor and director, died on Tuesday at the age of 86. Arkin had a long and distinguished career in Hollywood, appearing in over 100 films and television shows. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the 1977 film The French Connection, and was also nominated for Oscars for his roles in Little Murders (1974), The In-Laws (1979), and Argo (2012).
Arkin was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1934. He began his career as a stage actor in the early 1960s, and made his film debut in the 1966 film The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming. He quickly established himself as a versatile actor, appearing in a wide range of films, from comedies to dramas to musicals.
In addition to his film work, Arkin also had a successful career on television. He starred in the sitcom The Flying Nun from 1967 to 1970, and later appeared in the series MASH* and Heartland. He also directed several films, including The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (1968) and Little Miss Sunshine (2006), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Arkin was a beloved figure in Hollywood, and his death is a major loss to the film community. He was a talented actor, director, and writer, and his work will continue to be enjoyed by audiences for years to come.