The Associated Press broke the sad news that veteran actor Seymour Cassel has died at the age of 84. Cassel is best known to me for his poignant roles in both Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums.
Cassel was born in Detroit on Jan. 22, 1935. His early career was tied to Cassavetes and he made his movie debut in an uncredited role in Cassavetes’ first film, “Shadows,” in 1958 and became an associate producer on the project. He co-starred with Cassavetes in “Too Late Blues” and “The Webster Boy” and appeared on “The Lloyd Bridges Show” in the episode “A Pair of Boots” directed by Cassavetes. His early TV credits included “Twelve O’Clock High,” “Combat!,” “The F.B.I.” and “Batman” in the episode “A Piece of the Action.”
He is survived by his three children, Lisa Papciak, Matthew Cassel and Dilyn Cassel Murphy, seven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.