Canadian actor Maury Chaykin dead at age 61

Actor Maury Chaykin, who made a career in Canada’s film and television industry beginning in the early ’70s, has died at the age of 61. Mr. Chaykin died early Tuesday morning at the Toronto General Hospital surrounded by family, said manager Paul Hemrend. It was his 61st birthday.

He is survived by his wife, actress Susannah Hoffman, and their daughter Rose.

The recognizable actor moved from New York to Toronto in 1974, and found a guest role for himself in King of Kensington. He has a long list of credits both in Hollywood and Canadian film, including roles in a pair of Kevin Costner pictures – Dances With Wolves and The Postman – as well as Mystery, Alaska, A Life Less Ordinary, The Adjuster and an acclaimed turn in Owning Mahoney. He has also been seen in HBO’s series Entourage, as well as the HBO Canada series Less Than Kind.

Chaykin won a Genie in 1986 for Best Actor in a Leading Role for the film Whale Music, and in 1998 for his performance in La Femme Nikita.

Today also saw the announcement that his latest film, Barney’s Version, would see its premiere in his hometown during September’s Toronto International Film Festival.

With files from Nick Aveling