Actor David Huddleston, famed for titular roles in ‘The Big Lebowski’ and ‘Santa Claus: The Movie’ has passed away aged 85.
Huddleston expired on Tuesday, his family announced, after succumbing to heart and kidney problems at his estate in New Mexico.
Huddleston become famous after playing lead roles in the aforementioned movies, roles that were career defining. He also appeared as a senator on ‘The West Wing’ and played the mayor in Mel Brooks’ ‘Blazing Saddles’.
“It was a great privilege to work with David Huddleston on Blazing Saddles,” Brooks said in a statement provided to the Hollywood Reporter.
“His performance was sublime. He helped make all those Johnsons of Rock Ridge immortal. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.”
Huddleston was nominated for an Emmy Award after a guest appearance in 1990’s ‘The Wonder Years’.
The actor is survived by his wife, Sarah Koeppe and one child.