Canadian actor Harvey Atkin has died at the age of 74. His agent and longtime friend Larry Goldhar confirmed that Atkin passed away on Monday (July 17) after a battle with cancer.
Born in 1942 in Toronto, Atkin got his acting start in Ivan Reitman's cult comedy classic Meatballs in 1979. His performance as Morty Melnick earned him a Genie Award nomination.
He went on to find television fame, starring in Cagney & Lacey from 1982 to 1988 and appearing as the recurring Judge Alan Ridenour on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit from 2000 to 2009.
Atkin also performed voice work, lending his talents to animated series like Jacob Two-Two, The Ripping Friends and Super Mario Bros.
Atkin is survived by his wife Celia, his children Lisa and Danny, three sisters and five grandchildren.
See some of the social media tributes pouring in for the late actor below.
Born in 1942 in Toronto, Atkin got his acting start in Ivan Reitman's cult comedy classic Meatballs in 1979. His performance as Morty Melnick earned him a Genie Award nomination.
He went on to find television fame, starring in Cagney & Lacey from 1982 to 1988 and appearing as the recurring Judge Alan Ridenour on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit from 2000 to 2009.
Atkin also performed voice work, lending his talents to animated series like Jacob Two-Two, The Ripping Friends and Super Mario Bros.
Atkin is survived by his wife Celia, his children Lisa and Danny, three sisters and five grandchildren.
See some of the social media tributes pouring in for the late actor below.
Sad to hear actor Harvey Atkin (Meatballs, Cagney & Lacey) passed away today. RIP. https://t.co/z1kG9SZV10 pic.twitter.com/uFdcZgKG4W
— Canadian Academy (@TheCdnAcademy) July 18, 2017
RIP #HarveyAtkin
— Brent Butt (@BrentButt) July 19, 2017
One of the recurring faces/voices I'd recognize as a kid, that made me believe a career in Canadian TV & film was possible.
Farewell King Koopa. #HarveyAtkin pic.twitter.com/mRPFWDMxzS
— Stephen Moy (@StevieMoy_87) July 18, 2017
All mustaches should be at half mast in memorium. https://t.co/4w2v5aCTA6
— Justin Joyfully (@thebitterguy) July 18, 2017
#RIP Harvey Atkin Will always remember you as Morty from Meatballs even though you were on @LawandOrderSVU1 9 seasons
— Ken Grierson (@snarkywhiteguy) July 18, 2017
RIP Harvey Atkin. Perhaps best known as the voice of "King Koopa" but to me he'll always be Morty from Meatballs.
— Scott Weinberg (@scottEweinberg) July 18, 2017
