Canadian actor Harvey Atkin, who was a regular on hit U.S. dramas Law & Order and Cagney & Lacey, died Monday after a battle with cancer. He was 74.
His death was confirmed in a statement by his longtime friend and agent Larry Goldhar.
READ MORE: George A. Romero, father of the zombie film, dies at 77
Atkin’s career first took flight in 1979 when Canadian filmmaker Ivan Reitman cast the actor in the summer camp comedy Meatballs, which co-starred Bill Murray, Kate Lynch and Chris Makepeace. His performance as Morty Melnick earned Atkin a Genie nomination
He appeared regularly as staff sergeant Ronald Coleman in the ’80s detective drama Cagney & Lacey opposite Tyne Daly, Sharon Gless and Al Waxman. Atkin was also a regular on Law and Order as Judge Ridenour.
READ MORE: Martin Landau dead: Oscar-winning actor for ‘Ed Wood’ dies aged 89
The actor lent his voice talents to a number of animated TV shows, including Jacob Two-Two, The Ripping Friends and several Super Mario Bros. series. He had several guest-starring roles in television and film including Ticket to Heaven, Beetlejuice, Silver Streak, Atlantic City and Barney’s Version.
Atkin is survived by his wife Celia, children Lisa and Danny, three sisters and five grandchildren.
Comments