Eli Wallach, Star Of ‘The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly,' Dies At 98

Hollywood lost a legend in actor Eli Wallach on Tuesday.

The New York Times reports that Wallach, famous for his work in film, television and stage, died at the age of 98 at his family’s home in New York on Tuesday evening. The actor’s passing was confirmed by his daughter Katherine Wallach.

In 2010, Wallach, best known for his work in the 1966 Western “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” was presented with an honorary Oscar by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences after over 60 years of working in the industry. “I’m deeply moved by this honor,” Wallach said of the win. “Your recognition of my artistry makes something very dear to me. I don’t act to live, I live to act.”

Although never nominated for an Academy Award, Wallach won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1965 film “Baby Doll.” His performance in the Elia Kazana drama also secured him the BAFTA for Most Promising Newcomer to Film.

In 2010, Wallach was nominated for a Primetime Emmy for his guest-starring role in Showtime’s series “Nurse Jackie.” While he didn’t walk away with a win, he did previously win the Emmy for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Drama for “Poppies Are Also Flowers”/”Danger Grows Wild" in 1967.

Six years after his stage debut, Wallach starred in Tennessee Williams' play “The Rose Tattoo” in 1951, a performance which resulted in a Tony Award.

Wallach last appeared in the feature film “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” with Michael Douglas and Shia LaBeouf in 2010. His last project, “The Train,” filmed in 2009, is currently in postproduction.

Born Dec. 7, 1915, in New York, Wallach graduated from Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn before attending the University of Texas at Austin. After graduation, Wallach returned to New York, obtaining his master’s degree in education at City College. Wallach first studied acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse Actors Studio before serving five years in the medical corps during World War II.

Wallach is survived by his wife of 66 years, actress Anne Jackson, 87, his daughters, Katherine and Roberta, and his son, Peter.