Jerry Stiller, R.I.P.

Actor/comedian Jerry Stiller passed away this morning of natural causes at the age of 92. His passing was announced by his son actor/comedian Ben Stiller on Twitter.

The elder Stiller gained prominence during the 1960's as one half of the husband-wife comedic duo Stiller & Meara with frequent appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show. However, when Sullivan retired in 1971, the duo largely faded into obscurity save for sporadic appearances on TV sitcoms and commercials.

Amazingly, Stiller would earn his greatest fame after the age of 65 in the role of Frank Constanza (father of George Constanza played by Jason Alexander) on Seinfeld. Frank Constanza is perhaps best remembered for his observation of Festivus (as in Festivus for the rest of us) and its airing of grievances. After Seinfeld ended in 1997, Stiller would be cast the Kevin James sitcom The King of Queens in the role of Arthur Spooner. Both Frank Constanza and Arthur Spooner were grumpy, irascible yet endearing old Jewish New Yorkers.

Stiller would also co-star with son Ben in several films including the two Zoolander movies. After more than two decades in the spotlight, Stiller retreated following the death of Anne Meara in 2015 after more than 60 years of marriage.

I leave you with Stiller introducing Rush during their 30th anniversary tour in 2004. Yes, Jerry Stiller and Rush together. R.I.P.