Actor John Polito has died at the age of 65. (Photo: Christopher Halloran / Shutterstock.com.)
We regret to report actor Jon Polito has died at the age of 65. He leaves behind his husband Darryl Armbruster. Director John McNaughton broke the news on Facebook, today. The pair first worked together on Homicide: Life on the Street, on which Polito played Detective Steve Crosetti. The crime procedural TV series drama ran for seven seasons on NBC, from 1993 to 1999.
Mr. Polito played Judge Dominick Ventimiglia, on the Raising the Bar TV show, which was cancelled in 2009, after two seasons on TNT. Recent TV series work includes an episode of TNT’s Major Crimes in July; an episode of IFC‘s Comedy Bang! Bang! in June; and a return to Modern Family as Earl Chambers, in March of this year. His other recent TV series work includes: Murder in the First (2014) and Bunheads (2012).
In his announcement of Polito’s passing, McNaughton wrote:
Very sad to learn that my dear friend and collaborator, Jon Polito has passed away. John is probably best known for his work in Coen Brothers films, notably Barton Fink, Miller’s Crossing and The Big Lebowski. Jon and I worked together in TV starting with episodes of Homicide: Life on the Street, some pilots and Masters of Horror. He appeared in over 100 films, countless TV episodes and on Broadway. Jon was a born actor and will be deeply missed by his legion of friends, fans, family and of course his long time partner and husband, Darryl Armbruster, to whom I send my condolences. R.I.P. old pal – JM.
A prolific actor, Polito often worked in feature films. His IMDb profile indicates was working on director Adam Cushman’s upcoming film, The Maestro, from writer CV Herst. The movie, which is still in production, also stars Sarah Clarke, Xander Berkeley, Bobby Campo, Kristen Gutoskie, Mackenzie Astin, and William Russ.
TMZ reports Polito was diagnosed with multiple myeloma back in 2008. The tabloid also states he suffered from arthritis and was fighting an infection related to recent surgery. He had been comatose since Sunday, according to the report.
We invite you to share your memories of Mr. Jon Polito and his work, below.
