Charles Grodin, the acclaimed American actor, comedian, writer and television personality known for his dry humor and understated performances, died on May 18, 2021, at his home in Wilton, Connecticut. He was 86. His son, Nicholas Grodin, confirmed that Grodin died from bone marrow cancer, with other obituary records identifying the illness as multiple myeloma.

Grodin left behind a career spanning more than five decades across film, television, Broadway and literature. Although audiences frequently knew him for playing anxious, irritated or bewildered characters, his work demonstrated a broader range that included drama, stage performances, comedy and political commentary.

Born Charles Sidney Grodin on April 21, 1935, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he grew up outside the entertainment industry. His father worked as a wholesale dry-goods seller and died when Grodin was 18. After a difficult youth, Grodin found direction through acting and eventually moved to New York to pursue a career in theater.

He studied under renowned acting teacher Uta Hagen and gained early experience on stage. His Broadway breakthrough came with the 1963 revival of Tchin-Tchin, starring Anthony Quinn and Margaret Leighton. Those early theatrical experiences helped establish Grodin as a serious performer before he became a familiar face in Hollywood.

His film career included appearances in Sex and the College Girl, Rosemary’s Baby and Catch-22. His major breakthrough arrived with Elaine May’s 1972 comedy The Heartbreak Kid. Grodin played Lenny Cantrow, a newly married man who becomes infatuated with another woman during his honeymoon. The performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination and established the awkward, restrained comedic style that became his trademark.

Grodin went on to appear in numerous notable films, including Heaven Can Wait, The Woman in Red, Ishtar, Midnight Run, Dave and the Beethoven movies.

One of his most celebrated roles came in the 1988 action comedy Midnight Run, where he starred opposite Robert De Niro as Jonathan “The Duke” Mardukas. The contrast between Grodin’s nervous accountant and De Niro’s bounty hunter created much of the movie’s humor and helped make the film one of Grodin’s most enduring performances.

A younger generation came to know him as George Newton in Beethoven, the 1992 family comedy about an enormous Saint Bernard who repeatedly disrupted the Newton household. Grodin’s portrayal of the frustrated father became an important part of the film’s appeal.

Beyond film, Grodin maintained connections to Broadway and television. He appeared in productions including Same Time, Next Year opposite Ellen Burstyn and became a familiar late-night guest, making numerous appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and programs hosted by David Letterman.

Grodin was also an accomplished writer. His books included the autobiography It Would Be So Nice If You Weren’t Here: My Journey Through Show Business. He also wrote plays and received an Emmy for his work on a 1977 television special involving Paul Simon.

Later in his career, Grodin expanded into political and social commentary. He hosted a CNBC talk show and worked as a commentator for 60 Minutes II. He also made occasional acting appearances, including roles in Louie, ABC’s Madoff miniseries and Noah Baumbach’s While We’re Young.

Away from Hollywood, Grodin devoted significant time to his family and at one point stepped away from entertainment to become a stay-at-home father. He had two children, Marion and Nicholas. His daughter later pursued comedy, continuing the family’s connection to entertainment. Grodin was married to Julie Ferguson and later to Elissa Durwood, whom he married in 1983.

Grodin’s death brought an end to the life of a performer who had developed a uniquely recognizable style. His ability to turn awkwardness, frustration and ordinary discomfort into comedy made him stand out across generations.

Charles Grodin died at 86, leaving behind his children, family, friends, colleagues and countless viewers who appreciated his work. From The Heartbreak Kid and Midnight Run to Beethoven and his television appearances, his performances remain an important part of American comedy and entertainment history.