Character actor Irwin Keyes, star of House Of 1000 Corpses and Intolerable Cruelty, dies aged 63

By Dailymail.com Reporter

Published: 23:53 EST, 8 July 2015 | Updated: 02:58 EST, 9 July 2015

Irwin Keyes has died at the age of 63.

The character actor was known for his work in House Of 1000 Corpses, The Jeffersons and Intolerable Cruelty.

Irwin died on Wednesday in Playa del Rey, California, after suffering complications from acromegaly, a rare pituitary gland disorder.

Gone too soon: Irwin Keyes, pictured in 2007, died on Wednesday at the age of 63

Gone too soon: Irwin Keyes, pictured in 2007, died on Wednesday at the age of 63

The star's niece Rene Galarza announced the sad news on her Facebook page.

'It’s with deep sympathy that I’m writing this post. Early this morning my family was informed that our beloved uncle, brother, teammate and friend, Irwin Keyes, has had his last curtain call,' she wrote.

'He is now an angel for us all and will be watching down. Our family wishes to thank all of you who have been a part of his life. He will be missed very much.'

Beloved actor: Irwin was a character actor, who notably starred in House Of 1000 Corpses

Beloved actor: Irwin was a character actor, who notably starred in House Of 1000 Corpses

RIP: The star, seen in Intolerable Cruelty, suffered complications from acromegaly, a rare pituitary gland disorder

RIP: The star, seen in Intolerable Cruelty, suffered complications from acromegaly, a rare pituitary gland disorder

Irwin is survived by wife Tracy Fontaine. The couple married in 2008. 

Irwin, who was born in New York City, made his debut on the big screen in 1979's The Warriors, in which he played a policeman.

He was also known for his role as Joe Rockhead in the two Flinstones movies, and more recently appeared in digital series Dead Kansas.

Big break: Irwin was born in New York City and made his debut on the big screen in 1979's The Warriors, in which he played a policeman (seen here)

Big break: Irwin was born in New York City and made his debut on the big screen in 1979's The Warriors, in which he played a policeman (seen here)

Rob Zombie, who worked with the star on House Of 1000 Corpses, wrote on Facebook: 'I have just heard the terrible news that our friend Irwin Keyes has passed away.

'Irwin was a cool guy and a big part of the House of 1000 Corpses family. He will be missed by us all.'

The actor most recently filmed an appearance in horror Portend, which will be shown at the FANtastic Horror Film Festival in San Diego in October.

Family man: The actor, pictured in 2005, is survived by wife Tracy Fontaine. They married in 2008

Family man: The actor, pictured in 2005, is survived by wife Tracy Fontaine. They married in 2008

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