Canadian Actor Harvey Atkin Of Meatballs And Law & Order Fame Dead At 74

Canadian Actor Harvey Atkin Of Meatballs And Law & Order Fame Dead At 74
Canadian Actor Harvey Atkin Of Meatballs And Law & Order Fame Dead At 74

Canadian actor Harvey Atkin, who regularly appeared on the hit U.S. dramas Law & Order and Cagney & Lacey, died Monday after a battle with cancer. He was 74.

His long-time friend and agent, Larry Goldhar, confirmed the news today in a statement.

“It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved friend, husband, father and grandfather, Harvey passed away peacefully last night following his battle with cancer,” stated Larry Goldhar, The Characters Talent Agency.

Atkin’s career took off in 1979 when he was cast by Canadian filmmaker Ivan Reitman to co-star with Bill Murray, Kate Lynch and Chris Makepeace in the camp film, Meatballs. His performance as Morty Melnick earned him a Genie nomination.

From 1981-1988, he appeared regularly as staff sergeant Captain Ronald Coleman in the CBS Television series Cagney and Lacey starring Tyne Daly, Sharon Gless and Al Waxman. He was also a regular on the TV series Law & Order as Judge Ridenour.

He had numerous guest-starring roles in television and film including Ticket to Heaven, Beetlejuice, Silver Streak, Atlantic City and Barney’s Version.

He is survived by his wife Celia, daughter Lisa, son Danny, three sisters and five grandchildren.

Image – Screengrab/Meatballs

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