George Segal

George Segal
Name	George Segal
Caption	Segal in 1973
Birth date	13 February 1934
Birth place	Great Neck, New York, U.S.
Death date	23 March 2021
Death place	Santa Rosa, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1960–2021
Spouse	Marion Sobel (m. 1956; div. 1983), Linda Rogoff (m. 1983; died 1996), Sonia Schultz Greenbaum (m. 1996)
Alma mater	Columbia University

George Segal was an American actor renowned for his charismatic, everyman presence in both dramatic and comedic roles across a six-decade career. He rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s with acclaimed performances in films like Ship of Fools and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, for which he received an Academy Award nomination, and became a leading man in popular comedies such as The Owl and the Pussycat and A Touch of Class. Later generations knew him for his starring role as magazine publisher Jack Gallo on the long-running ABC sitcom Just Shoot Me!. A talented banjoist, he often performed with his group, the Beverly Hills Unlisted Jazz Band.

Early life and education

He was born in Great Neck, New York, to a family of Jewish descent; his mother, Fannie, was a homemaker, and his father, George Segal Sr., worked as a malt and hop agent. His father died when he was young. He attended George School, a Quaker boarding school in Pennsylvania, before enrolling at Columbia University. At Columbia, he studied performing arts under the guidance of professors like Meyer Schapiro and performed with campus theatrical groups. He graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts in drama and later studied at the Actor's Studio in New York City, honing his craft in the Method acting tradition alongside contemporaries.

Career

His early career consisted of off-Broadway stage work and small television roles on series like Naked City. His film breakthrough came with a supporting role in the 1965 ensemble drama Ship of Fools, starring Vivien Leigh and Simone Signoret. The following year, his performance as Nick in Mike Nichols's adaptation of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? opposite Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He transitioned successfully to leading man status in the 1970s with a string of hit comedies, including Where's Poppa?, The Hot Rock with Robert Redford, Blume in Love, and California Split directed by Robert Altman. His role in A Touch of Class alongside Glenda Jackson solidified his reputation as a sophisticated comedic actor. From 1997 to 2003, he starred in the successful sitcom Just Shoot Me! on NBC, earning two Golden Globe Award nominations. Later television work included a recurring role on The Goldbergs as Albert "Pops" Solomon.

Personal life

He was married three times: first to Marion Sobel from 1956 to 1983, with whom he had two daughters; then to Linda Rogoff, a former Hollywood restaurateur, from 1983 until her death in 1996; and finally to Sonia Schultz Greenbaum in 1996, who survived him. An avid musician, he was proficient on the banjo and frequently performed at jazz festivals and clubs with his band. He resided for many years in West Hollywood and later in Santa Rosa, California. He died on March 23, 2021, in Santa Rosa, California, due to complications from bypass surgery.

Filmography

A selection of his notable film credits includes The Young Doctors (1961), Act One (1963), King Rat (1965), The Quiller Memorandum (1966), The St. Valentine's Day Massacre (1967), Bye Bye Braverman (1968), Loving (1970), The Bridge at Remagen (1969), The Last of the Mobile Hot Shots (1970), The Terminal Man (1974), Russian Roulette (1975), The Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox (1976), Fun with Dick and Jane (1977), Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe? (1978), The Last Married Couple in America (1980), and Look Who's Talking (1989).

Awards and nominations

His performance in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? brought him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1967, as well as a nomination for a BAFTA Award in the same category. He won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his role in A Touch of Class in 1974. For his television work on Just Shoot Me!, he received two nominations for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy in 1998 and 1999. He was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame located at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard.

Legacy

He is remembered as a versatile and relatable actor who bridged the gap between the intense New Hollywood character dramas and mainstream studio comedy. His naturalistic style and wry humor influenced a generation of actors. His later career resurgence on television introduced his talent to new audiences. Beyond acting, his passion for jazz and public performances as a musician highlighted a multifaceted artistic life. His work continues to be celebrated in film retrospectives and on classic television networks.

Category:American film actors Category:American television actors Category:1934 births Category:2021 deaths