PA/20th Century FoRip Torn has died at the age of 88, it was confirmed today.
The Emmy-winning actor, who made a name for himself in the 1950s, was best known for his work on The Larry Sanders Show, Men In Black and Dodgeball.
The 88-year-old ‘passed away peacefully’ on Tuesday afternoon (July 9) at his home in Lakeville, Connecticut.
PAAccording to a statement released by his family, as per Entertainment Tonight, Torn’s wife, Amy Wright, and daughters, Katie Torn and Angelica Page, were by his side at the time of his death.
The celebrated actor was born Elmore Rual Torn Jr. in 1931, with his career launching in 1957 in his breakout role as a former prisoner of war who breaks down at a court-martial in Time Limit.
Since then, Torn became a huge presence on television screens, on the big screen, and in Broadway and off-Broadway theatrical productions. His career spanned seven decades, with the actor appearing in nearly 200 films and TV shows.
Looking back on decades of Rip Torn's work and can't think of a single performance that could have been bettered by another actor. One of a kind. RIP.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) July 10, 2019
The actor, from Texas, won an Emmy late in his career for his role as show’s producer, Artie, in The Larry Sanders Show. Torn starred on the show for six years opposite Garry Shandling and Jeffrey Tambor, during which time he earned six Emmy nominations – winning once in 1996.
His most recent award recognition came in 2008, when he was nominated for an Emmy for his guest role as Don Geiss on 30 Rock.
As well as the star’s most famous roles, Torn also appeared in TV shows such as Will & Grace, The Atlanta Child Murders, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
20th Century FoxUpon news of Torn’s death, tributes began pouring in from the world of entertainment, including one from Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane.
He tweeted:
Rip Torn always made me laugh. Artie and Bob Diamond were two utterly unforgettable characters.
Rip Torn always made me laugh. Artie and Bob Diamond were two utterly unforgettable characters.
— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) July 10, 2019
While filmmaker and actor Albert Brooks wrote 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.
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
Torn is survived by his wife and their two children, Katy and Claire, as well as his daughter Danae from his first marriage to Ann Wedgeworth, and children Angelica, Tony and Jon from his second marriage to Geraldine Page.
As of yet, no cause of death has been given.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Rip.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
A Broadcast Journalism Masters graduate who went on to achieve an NCTJ level 3 Diploma in Journalism, Lucy has done stints at ITV, BBC Inside Out and Key 103. While working as a journalist for UNILAD, Lucy has reported on breaking news stories while also writing features about mental health, cervical screening awareness, and Little Mix (who she is unapologetically obsessed with).