George Kennedy -- 'Cool Hand Luke,' 'Airport' Actor -- Dies At 91

By Marc Torrence

George Kennedy, a burly character actor who starred in “Cool Hand Luke,” “Airport” and “Naked Gun,” died Monday, his grandson confirmed in a Facebook post. He was 91.

Kennedy was a 1941 graduate of Chaminade High School in Mineola, his IMDB page says.

Cory Schenkel, one of Kennedy’s grandchildren that he adopted with his late wife, Joan McCarthy, said in a Facebook post that he had been in poor health for a year and a half

“I have created so many great memories and I will enjoy them for life. While I am extremely sad that they are both gone (my grandma in September 14 and my grandpa this morning) I am grateful for the life, memories, and knowledge they shared with me,” Schenkel said.

“They both lived amazing lives, and I know they are resting in peace.”

Kennedy’s career in TV and film spanned more than five decades, where he played rough-and-tough military men and prisoners and provided comic relief as a police detective.

It began early, when he appeared on stage at the age of two and was on a New York radio station at seven. It was put on hold, though, for a 16-year military career, where he served in the Army in World War II.

Kennedy rose to stardom after winning an Academy Award in 1967 for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of “Dragline,” a prisoner who clashes with the newest convict, Paul Newman’s Luke.

He later appeared in the 1970s “Airport” dramas about disaster in the skies before playing alongside Leslie Nielson in the slapstick comedy “Naked Gun” movies.

Kennedy’s last gig was a minor role came in 2014 in “The Gambler,” which starred Mark Wahlberg.

He is survived by a daughter and two grandchildren.

• See George Kennedy’s full filmography here.

Image via Wikimedia Commons