Peter Crombie, an actor best known for his role on Seinfeld, has been confirmed dead aged 71.

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Seinfeld Star Peter Crombie Has Died

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11:29 18 January 2024

Updated: 04:54 23 November 2024


Peter Crombie, the American actor best known for his role in Seinfeld, has died aged 71.

Crombie, who was born in Chicago in 1952, appeared in films including Born on the Fourth of JulyNatural Born KillersSevenMy Dog Skip and The Doors.

But he was best known for playing the beloved recurring character ‘Crazy’ Joe Davola in Seinfeld.

Crombie also enjoyed multiple appearances in popular TV shows such as Spenser: For HireStar Trek: Deep Space Nine, Walker, Texas RangerLaw & OrderPicket FencesNYPD Blue, as well as many more.

Sadly, it has been disclosed that Crombie has passed away aged 71.

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‘Crazy’ Joe Davola was named after Fox TV executive, Joe ‘Lennard’ Davola, with his consent.

The character appears in five episodes in season four, with Joe terrorising, stalking and threatening Jerry Seinfeld and even dating Elaine.

Crombie had 35 acting credits, eventually retiring from showbusiness in 2000.

Crombie married Nadine Kijner in 1991 and the pair divorced a few years later.

However, it appears as though they remained close, as this week she confirmed the actor had passed away.

 

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A post shared by Nadinekijner (@nadinekijner)

The star reportedly passed away following a brief illness, however, further information hasn’t been disclosed at the time of writing.

Kijner tells TMZ: “He was the kindest most caring, giving, considerate man. He was loved by everybody, generous and never had anything bad to say about anyone.”

His friend Bill Stetz also remembers Crombie as ‘a gentle and loyal friend of soft words and expressive work as an actor and a writer’.

Kijner shares a further tribute to her ex-husband on Instagram, writing: “It is with shock and extreme sadness that I share my ex-husband died this morning.”

Kijner continues: “Thank you for so many wonderful memories and being such a good man. Fly free into the Unboundless source of light, Peter. May you be greeted with love by your parents, and Oliver.

“So, so many people loved you because you were a kind, giving, caring and creative soul.”

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She offered some more information on his passing to People, saying: “Peter was first of all a gentle Soul and a true gentleman, very smart and personally like a rock to those who knew him, reliable, dependable and consistent. He was a gifted Yale-trained actor, a prolific writer and a true artist.

“When not working as an actor on stage or in front of a camera, he was genuinely humble, preferring others to talk and take [the] main stage. He was always helpful, giving and funny. He was one the kindest, soft-spoken, loving and caring people I have ever met. A gentle giant.”

Kijner also told the outlet that the pair ‘hadn’t communicated since October 2023’ and that she is feeling ‘the shock and heartbreak’ that Crombie has gone.

Further tributes for the star have also come out, with friend and comedian Lewis Black writing on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Am heartbroken by the death of my good friend Peter Crombie. He was a gifted artist.

“Not only was he a wonderful actor but an immensely talented writer. More importantly, he was as sweet as he was intelligent and I am a better person for knowing him.”

Friend Bill Stetz adds on Facebook: “It is with a sad heart that today, I convey that my good friend Peter Crombie has passed away. For those who knew him, he was a gentle and loyal friend of soft words and expressive work as an actor and a writer. Rest in peace, Peter.”