Seymour Cassel, a colorful character actor best known for his roles in movies by directors John Cassavetes and Wes Anderson, has died. He was 84.
Cassel died Sunday from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease, his son, Matt, told the Hollywood Reporter.
Cassel got his start working for Cassavetes and appeared in multiple movies by the actor/director, garnering an Oscar nomination for his supporting role in the low-budget independent film “Faces” in 1968. For Anderson, he appeared in such quirky fare as “Rushmore” and “The Royal Tennenbaums.”
On Twitter, Anderson expressed sadness about Cassel’s death, calling him “a wonderful actor,” and saying goodbye to the characters he played in his films.
Elsewhere, Cassel often found himself cast as tough guys, playing Robert Redford’s chauffeur in “Indecent Proposal” in addition to roles in “Dick Tracy” and “Tin Men.”
Cassel was active in the Screen Actors Guild, unsuccessfully running for president of the group in 2007 and 2009.
The actor also struggled with substance abuse, serving six months in jail on cocaine charges in 1981, which was followed by a stint in rehab.
He is survived by three children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.