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The Goldbergs star George Segal dies aged 87 following bypass surgery complications

epa09092671 (FILE) - US actor George Segal poses with fans on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star ceremony in Hollywood, California, USA, 14 February 2017 (reissued 24 March 2021). Oscar-nominated actor George Segal died on 23 March 2021 due to complications from heart bypass surgery. He was 87. EPA/NINA PROMMER
George Segal has died (Picture: Getty)

The Goldbergs star George Segal has died at the age of 87, his wife confirmed.

Segal, who was Oscar-nominated for 1966 black comedy-drama Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, died on Tuesday in Santa Rosa, California following surgery complications.

Announcing the news in a statement, Sonia Segal said: ‘The family is devastated to announce that this morning George Segal passed away due to complications from bypass surgery.’

Since 2013 Segal, also an accomplished banjo player, had played Albert ‘Pops’ Solomon on TV comedy The Goldbergs.

He starred as magazine publisher Jack Gallo in the US sitcom Just Shoot Me from 1997 to 2003.

Segal’s portrayal of Nick in the Mike Nichols-directed Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? earned him a best supporting actor nomination at the Oscars.

FILE ??? MARCH 23, 2021: Actor George Segal has died at age 87 on March 23, 2021 from complications due to heart bypass surgery. He was most recently seen in the ABC sitcom ???The Goldbergs???. THE GOLDBERGS - Walt Disney Television via Getty Images's
Segal played Pops in The Goldbergs (Picture: Getty)
epa09092669 (FILE) - US actor George Segal poses with his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during the official ceremony in Hollywood, California, USA, 14 February 2017 (reissued 24 March 2021). Oscar-nominated actor George Segal died on 23 March 2021 due to complications from heart bypass surgery. He was 87. EPA/NINA PROMMER
Segal was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame in 2017 (Picture: EPA)

His co-stars – Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Sandy Dennis – were also nominated, with both women winning.

Wendi McLendon-Covey, Segal’s The Goldbergs co-star, was among those to pay tribute online.

Alongside a picture of her with the late actor, she wrote: ‘Grateful.’

Patton Oswalt, another star of the show, said: ‘NOOOOOOO. Oh my God he was such a sweetie. And totally happy to dish with an annoying film nerd about CALIFORNIA SPLIT, BLUME IN LOVE, and everything. RIP king.’

The Goldbergs creator, Adam F Goldberg, described Segal as a ‘legend’.

Editorial use only. No book cover usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock (1632986a) Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf, George Segal, Elizabeth Taylor Film and Television
Segal’s role in Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? earned him a best supporting actor nomination at the Oscars (Picture: Rex)

He penned: ‘It was a true honour being a small part of George Segal’s amazing legacy. By pure fate, I ended up casting the perfect person to play Pops. Just like my grandfather, George was a kid at heart with a magical spark.’

Melissa Joan Hart, titular star of Sabrina The Teenage Witch, directed Segal in an episode of The Goldbergs.

In her tribute, she wrote: ‘Shocked and saddened to hear of #GeorgeSegal passing away!

‘From being on set of #JustShootMe to directing him on #Goldbergs, he was a true gem and great man. He will be missed!’

Segal’s manager, Abe Hoch, added: ‘I am saddened by the fact that my close friend and client of many years has passed away. I will miss his warmth, humour, camaraderie and friendship. He was a wonderful human.’

Segal was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame in 2017.

It is understood Segal’s last episode on The Goldbergs will be broadcast in early April.

A spokesman for ABC Entertainment said: ‘For eight years, George Segal made us laugh as Pops on The Goldbergs, but his legacy in the entertainment world spans decades.

‘His talent has left an indelible mark and we’re grateful for the laughter and joy he has given us all.

‘Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his wife, Sonia, and his family during this difficult time.’

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