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Seinfeld actor Peter Crombie has died after a short illness. He was 71.
The American actor was best known for playing “Crazy” Joe Davola in the fourth season of the successful US sitcom, which ran from 1989 to 1998.
The news was confirmed by his ex-wife Nadine Kijner, who described the “shock and extreme sadness” of losing Crombie in a statement shared on Instagram on Wednesday (January 10).
Seinfeld actor Peter Crombie has died after a short illness. He was 71.
(NBC)
Alongside photos from her and Crombie's wedding reception, Kijner wrote: “It is with shock and great sadness that I announce that my ex-husband died this morning. Thank you for so many wonderful memories and for being such a good person.
“So many people loved you because you were a kind, generous, caring and creative soul.”
She told TMZ that Crombie died after a short illness. However, his cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
Kijner added: “He was the kindest, most caring, generous and considerate man. He was loved by everyone, generous and never had anything bad to say about anyone.”
Crombie joined the cast of Seinfeld in 1992 when he was cast as “Crazy” Joe Davola, who spent five episodes terrorizing and tormenting the series' lead, Jerry Seinfeld.
Crombie's character also dated Jerry's girlfriend Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) once in season four.
Comedian Lewis Black and filmmaker Jay Russell paid tribute to Crombie in heartfelt messages shared on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
Black's post said: “I am heartbroken by the death of my good friend Peter Crombie. He was a gifted artist. He was not only a wonderful actor but also an extremely talented writer.
“More importantly, he was as sweet as he was intelligent, and I'm a better person for knowing him.”
Russell, who cast Crombie in his 2000 film My Dog Skip, wrote: “Glory to my friend Peter Crombie who was a wonderful, caring, kind man and fabulous actor.
“Peter lent me his great talent by playing the “villain” in “My Dog Skip” and perfectly frightened dog lovers around the world. I hope he is at peace now. Have fun, Maestro.”
Crombie was born on June 26, 1952. His other film and television credits include Perfect Strangers, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, The Doors, Natural Born Killers, Law & Order and Broken Vows.