TV and film veteran Basil Hoffman has died, according to his manager.
The star appeared in more than 100 shows and movies and is known for his roles from Hill Street Blues to Seinfeld.
The character actor had recurring roles including Joshua Friendly on Santa Barabra, Simeon Trapp in Courage, New Hampshire, Principal Dingleman on Square Pegs, and Ed Greenglass on Hill Street Blues.
Hoffman trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, after graduating with a degree in economics at Tulane University.
The Houston native began working in commercials and small roles before moving to Hollywood.
The 83-year-old had an extensive career and appeared in Academy Award-winning films such as Ordinary People and The Artist.
Of the iconic TV shows he starred in, Seinfeld, Columbo, Night Court, LA Law, Murder, She Wrote, and The West Wing. He also appeared in Marcus Welby MD, The Waltons, and Sandford and Son.
The character worked on Lucky Louise, a faith-based feature comedy that is post-production, reports Variety.
Hoffman also wrote books on his craft and was known as a popular coach and acting teacher, penning Cold Reading and How to Be Good at It, Acting and How to Be Good at It, as well as a second edition.
In 2008, he travelled to Beirut, Lebanon to teach acting and directing at the Academie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts as a US State Department Cultural Envoy.
(Image: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
Tributes have poured in, with one user writing: “Basil Hoffman has passed away at the age of 83, much love to his family,” adding “sad news”.
Shaune Bordere penned: “I have lost a great friend in Basil Hoffman today. He was tremendously kind and talented. He will be dearly missed for many years to come.”
A third shared a clip from Square Pegs and wrote: “Great show RIP”.
Other users on social media have simply shared sad and crying emojis after they heard the news.
Other film credits include All The President’s Men, Comes a Horseman, Down With Love, and The Milagro Beanfield War.
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