'A born actor': The Big Lebowski's Jon Polito dies at 65

By Dailymail.com Reporter

Published: 12:15 EST, 2 September 2016 | Updated: 12:50 EST, 2 September 2016

The Big Lebowski actor Jon Polito has died at the age of 65.

An accomplished character actor, over 35 years Polito appeared in more than 100 movies, countless TV shows including Modern Family and on Broadway.

He was a favourite of legendary directing duo The Coen Brothers and starred in their movies The Big Lebowski, Barton Fink and Miller's Crossing.

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'A born actor': The Big Lebowski's Jon Polito, left, has dies at 65; in the cult hit he played private investigator Da Fino

'A born actor': The Big Lebowski's Jon Polito, left, has dies at 65; in the cult hit he played private investigator Da Fino

In cult hit The Big Lebowski Polito played Da Fino, a private investigator hired by Bunny's parents to entice their daughter [played by Tara Reid] back home.

In a memorable scene he mistook Jeffrey 'The Dude' Lebowski for a 'brother Shamus'.

Having being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in 2008, Polito was suffering from an infection following a recent surgery and slipped into a coma last Sunday.

His death was announced Friday morning. 

Memorable: He mistook Jeffrey 'The Dude' Lebowski for a 'brother Shamus'

Memorable: He mistook Jeffrey 'The Dude' Lebowski for a 'brother Shamus'

Polito is survived by his long-term partner Darryl Armbuster.

His friend and colleague John McNaughton paid tribute in a lengthy Facebook post. 

'Very sad to learn that my dear friend and collaborator, Jon Polito has passed away,' he wrote. 

Polito appeared in more than 100 movies, countless TV shows and on Broadway; he is seen here alongside Cedric The Entertainer, John Leguizamo and Mike Epps in The Honeymooners

Polito appeared in more than 100 movies, countless TV shows and on Broadway; he is seen here alongside Cedric The Entertainer, John Leguizamo and Mike Epps in The Honeymooners

'Jon and I worked together in TV starting with episodes of Homicide: Life on the Street, some pilots and Masters of Horror. 

'Jon was a born actor and will be deeply missed by his legion of friends, fans, family and of course his long time partner, Darryl Armbruster to whom I send my condolences. R.I.P. old pal.'

Tribute: His friend and colleague John McNaughton paid his respects publicly

Tribute: His friend and colleague John McNaughton paid his respects publicly

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