Seinfeld actor Peter Crombie dies aged 71 after battling an 'unknown illness'

13 January 2024 , 08:05

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Peter Crombie has died aged 71

Peter Crombie, well-known for his role on Seinfeld, has sadly died at the age of 71.

His ex-wife Nadine Kijner announced Peter died on Wednesday due to a sudden, unknown illness. Nadine remembered Peter for being a "kind and caring" man, while a friend of the actor also described him as "gentle and loyal".

Crombie was famous for playing "Crazy" Joe Davola on the hit '90s sitcom Seinfeld, alongside stars like Jerry Seinfeld and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Paying tribute to her ex-husband, Nadine said: "He was the kindest most caring, giving, considerate man."

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Peter Crombie was best known for his role on Seinfeld

Speaking to TMZ, she added: "He was loved by everybody, generous and never had anything bad to say about anyone." A friend also paid tribute to Peter, describing him as "a gentle and loyal friend of soft words and expressive work as an actor and writer."

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Peter's first Hollywood credit came from the 1987 film Broken Vows, and his career took off after his appearance in The Blob (1988). He later appeared on Seinfeld as Jerry's stalker and Elaine's date between 1992 and 1993.

He was known for his eerie yet funny lines on the show. One includes: "Jerry, Joe Davola. I have a hair on my tongue. Can't get it off. You know how much I hate that? Of course you do. You put it there." Another one is: "I know you bad-mouthed me to the execs at NBC; put the kibosh on my deal. Now I'm gonna put the kibosh on you. You know I've kiboshed before, and I will kibosh again."

Tributes have been pouring in following his death aged 71

Afterwards, he bagged the biggest roles of his career including Greg in Rising Sun (1993) and Dr. O'Neill in Se7en (1995). He seemingly took a break from Hollywood after 2000. His last known credits, My Dog Skip and Walker, Texas Ranger, are from that year. Peter also has a professional writing credit for the 2006 short film Threshold.

Comedian Lewis Black paid tribute to Peter on X, writing: "Am heartbroken by the death of my good friend Peter Crombie. He was a gifted artist. Not only was he a wonderful actor but an immensely talented writer. More importantly he was as sweet as he was intelligent and I am a better person for knowing him."

Fans have also taken to social media to pay tribute to the late actor. "Rest in peace, Peter Crombie. Gone but not forgotten," one person wrote on X. Another posted: "Rest In peace Peter Crombie. My goodness, how he brought Joe Davola to life. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

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Scarlett O'Toole