George Kennedy is no longer alive. The legendary American actor passed away on February 28, 2016, at the age of 91 in Middleton, Idaho. Known for his imposing physical presence and versatile character work, he left behind a rich cinematic legacy spanning over six decades.
Instead of fading into obscurity after his heyday in Hollywood, Kennedy spent his final years surrounded by family. His career defined an era of classic Hollywood, stretching from gritty westerns to blockbuster disaster movies and slapstick comedy.
Early Life and Military Service
Born George Harris Kennedy Jr. on February 18, 1925, in New York City, he grew up surrounded by show business. His mother was a ballet dancer, and his father managed an orchestra, passing away when George was just young. By age two, he was already appearing on stage in touring theatrical productions.
Despite his early exposure to the arts, World War II interrupted his trajectory. Kennedy enlisted in the United States Army infantry, serving under General George S. Patton. He spent 16 years in the military, rising to the rank of captain. During his service, he worked on the American Forces Network and helped establish the Army's first information office.
An injury eventually forced him to leave the military in 1959. With a fresh start required, he drifted back toward entertainment, initially working as a technical advisor on the television series The Phil Silvers Show. That behind-the-scenes gig quickly morphed into on-screen acting roles.
Breakthrough Roles and Academy Award Success
Kennedy's physical stature—standing at six feet four inches—pigeonholed him into playing heavy-set villains and tough guys during the early 1960s. He appeared in television shows like Maverick, Rawhide, and Bonanza, alongside film appearances in movies such as Charade alongside Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn.
His defining moment arrived in 1967 when he starred opposite Paul Newman in Cool Hand Luke. Playing Dragline, a brutal chain-gang convict who evolves into a loyal follower of Newman's character, Kennedy delivered a masterclass in character acting. The role won him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Following that triumph, he became one of Hollywood's most reliable character actors. He transitioned seamlessly into the massive disaster-film craze of the 1970s.
The Disaster Movie Era and Comedy
If you watched a major disaster film in the 1970s, you likely saw George Kennedy. He played passenger-turned-hero Joe Patroni in the blockbuster hit Airport (1970). The film's massive commercial success spawned three sequels—Airport 1975, Airport '77, and The Concorde ... Airport '79—making Kennedy the only actor to appear in all four films of the franchise.
In the late 1980s and 1990s, Kennedy proved his comedic timing was just as sharp as his dramatic chops. He took on the role of police Ed Hocken in The Naked Gun trilogy starring Leslie Nielsen, playing the deadpan straight man to absurd comedic chaos.
Throughout his career, he appeared in over 200 film and television projects. You can explore a comprehensive archive of his filmography on IMDb.
Final Years and Passing
In his later years, Kennedy relocated to Eagle, Idaho, to spend time with his family. He faced personal tragedy when his wife of nearly four decades, Joan McCarthy, passed away in 2015. Health issues mounted shortly after, including a history of heart disease.
On February 28, 2016, he passed away from heart complications at an assisted-living facility in Middleton, Idaho, just ten days after celebrating his 91st birthday. He left behind children and grandchildren, closing the book on a monumental era of cinema history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What movie did George Kennedy win an Oscar for?
He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1968 for his performance as Dragline in Cool Hand Luke.
Was George Kennedy in the military?
Yes. He served in the United States Army for 16 years during and after World War II, achieving the rank of captain before leaving service in 1959 due to a back injury.
How many Airport movies did he appear in?
He appeared in all four films of the Airport franchise—Airport (1970), Airport 1975 (1974), Airport '77 (1977), and The Concorde ... Airport '79 (1979)—playing the recurring character Joe Patroni.
What was his final film role?
His final film appearance was in the 2014 drama The Gambler, starring Mark Wahlberg, filmed when he was in his late eighties.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/angelina-jolie-marcheline-bertrand-5-c247f415ea5b4e2496e31fbe2d395410.jpg)
