We lost another great New Yorker today: none other than famous Seinfeld father and comedian Jerry Stiller.
Stiller passed away this morning due to natural causes at the age of 92 years old. He was a New Yorker through-and-through: born in Brooklyn and grew up on the Lower East Side. He was perhaps best known for his role as George’s father, Frank Costanza, on Seinfeld, where he lived in Queens (in a house you can still see located at 22-37 37th St. in Astoria).
He passed in his home on the Upper West Side on May 11, as his son fellow actor Ben Stiller announced on Twitter earlier today:
I’m sad to say that my father, Jerry Stiller, passed away from natural causes. He was a great dad and grandfather, and the most dedicated husband to Anne for about 62 years. He will be greatly missed. Love you Dad. pic.twitter.com/KyoNsJIBz5
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) May 11, 2020
Stiller actually began his career as a dramatic actor with roles in both Broadway and off-Broadway productions. Then he joined forces with his wife, fellow comedian Anne Meara, and they performed as a duo act in NYC clubs and on late night shows. Meara passed away in 2015; they had been married for almost 62 years.
After Seinfeld, Stiller played another famous New York father: Leah Remini’s character’s dad in King of Queens.
Of course, his past coworkers were quick to jump in with memories and kind words:
Yeah. I adored this man. pic.twitter.com/4YiaTLJh4C
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) May 11, 2020
— Jerry Seinfeld (@JerrySeinfeld) May 11, 2020
The truth is that this happened all the time with Jerry Stiller. He was so funny and such a dear human being. We loved him. RIP Jerry Stiller.https://t.co/kXL14zMKeX
— Julia Louis-Dreyfus (@OfficialJLD) May 11, 2020
The Governor and Mayor even chimed in with their own condolences:
Jerry Stiller was as New York as they come. To my friend Ben who, like his father, is a New Yorker through and through I extend my deepest condolences. Jerry will be missed. https://t.co/KXLi9eEk7c
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) May 11, 2020
EVERY New Yorker could relate when Jerry Stiller shouted “SERENITY NOW!”
This son of Brooklyn brought the humor of everyday New Yorkers to the world. On behalf of his hometown I offer our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him. https://t.co/l9fEV4LbYT
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) May 11, 2020
In case you forget:
He will be greatly missed.
featured image source: Shutterstock