Academy-nominated actor Seymour Cassel passed away Sunday due to complications related to Alzheimer’s disease. He was 84.
Cassel was best known for his work with Wes Anderson and John Cassavetes. Most notably, he appeared in Anderson’s Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, and The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou.
Born January 22nd, 1935, Cassel got his start working almost exclusively for Cassavetes. His first film, Shadows, was also Cassavetes’ but Cassel wasn’t credited for the small part he played. He then went on to actually appear alongside Cassavetes in both Too Late Blues and The Webster Boy. In 1968, Cassel’s continued work with Cassavetes earned him an Oscar nod. He was nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category for his role as Chet in Cassavetes’ Faces. Later in his career, Cassel met Anderson through Alexandre Rockwell, another indie director.
Overall, Cassel’s acting career spanned over half a decade. Other notable credits include In the Soup, Dick Tracy, Minnie and Morowitz, and Indecent Proposal. Cassel even appeared in the original Batman series for one episode.
Cassel is survived by his two sons; Matthew, and Dilyn Cassel.
