Los Angeles: Academy Award winning actor George Kennedy has died of old age in Boise, Idaho. He was 91. The news of Kennedy’s demise was confirmed by his grandson Cory Schenkel on Facebook.
“For 14 years I took care of my grandparents. I have travelled on many business trips and movie shoots with my grandpa… I have created so many great memories and I will enjoy them for life.
“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,” Schenkel posted.
Kennedy won Oscar for his portrayal of a savage chain-gang convict in the 1960s classic “Cool Hand Luke,” starring Paul Newman in the lead role.
Following the critical and commercial success of the film, Kennedy carved out a niche as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable supporting actors and played important parts in several action movies in the 1970s.
One of his strongest supporting roles was in the hit 1970 film “Airport.” The movie spawned several sequels, with him being in all of them, and landed Kennedy a Golden Globe nomination.
Kennedy, who was born in New York City in 1925, first began as a radio performer and then put a hold on his acting career to serve in World War II. After 16 years in the Army, he returned to Hollywood.
His other popular films include, “The Dirty Dozen,” “The Naked Gun” and the disaster film “Earthquake,” among others. Kennedy last appeared in Mark Wahlberg’s 2014 film “The Gambler”.
He wrote multiple books, including the murder mystery “Murder on Location” and his 2011 autobiography “Trust Me.” Kennedy was also an advocate for adopted children. He had four adopted children, including his granddaughter Taylor.
