Obituaries

Oscar-Winning Actor George Kennedy Dies At 91

Kennedy's big break came opposite Paul Newman in "Cool Hand Luke."

Oscar-Winning Actor George Kennedy Dies At 91
Getty Images / Kevin Winter
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Oscar-winning character actor George Kennedy died Sunday morning at the age of 91. 

After serving 16 years in the Army, Kennedy, who was over 6 feet tall and weighed 230 pounds, was initially typecast for roles as villains.

His big break came in the 1967 film "Cool Hand Luke," where he played an anti-hero opposite Paul Newman. The role earned him an Academy Award, which he called the highlight of his life. 

But Kennedy moved on to show his softer, comedic side in the "Naked Gun" series. 

According to his grandson, Kennedy passed away from natural causes. 

This video includes clips from Universal Pictures / "The Concorde ... Airport '79," Paramount Pictures / "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!" and Warner Bros. / Seven Arts / "Cool Hand Luke," and images from Universal Pictures / "Charade" and Getty Images.