George Kennedy: Naked Gun actor dies aged 91
US actor George Kennedy, famed for his Oscar winning role in Cool Hand Luke, has died aged 91.
Kennedy’s grandson Cory Schenkel announced the news on Facebook and confirmed his grandfather died on Sunday morning in the city of Boise, Idaho.
Writing on the social network Schenkel said: “While I am extremely sad that they are both gone (my grandma in September 14 and my grandpa this morning) I am grateful for the life, memories, and knowledge they shared with me.
“They both lived amazing lives and I know they are resting in peace.”
Kennedy starred in the Naked Gun comedies as well as 1970s disaster movies Earthquake and Airport – in which he played Joe Patroni.
He went on to win the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 1968 for Cool Hand Luke.
His last role was in The Gambler in 2014.
Tributes soon flooded in from fans of the actor with Jeremy Vine deeming him a “big star”.
He is survived by fourth wife Joan McCarthy and two children from Norma Wurman.
