KEY POINTS

  • George Segal dies following complications during surgery
  • Celebs mourn Segal's death on social media 
  • Adam Goldberg calls him a "legend"

George Segal has died after he experienced complications during bypass surgery, his family announced Tuesday. He was 87 years old.

"The family is devastated to announce that this morning George Segal passed away due to complications from bypass surgery," George's wife, Sonia Segal, said in a statement, CNN reported.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of George Segal. He was a true icon and legend in this business and an integral member of our Sony family," Sony Pictures Television said Tuesday. "George brightened the screen whenever he was on camera and was a warm and genuine gentleman. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. We will miss him greatly."

The Oscar-nominated actor's death came as a shock to Hollywood celebrities, who paid tribute by sharing photos and memories in honor of his life.

Adam Goldberg, the creator of ABC's comedy series "The Goldbergs" that features George, took to Twitter on Tuesday to share a heartfelt message with a bunch of pictures.

"Today we lost a legend. It was a true honor being a small part of George Segal's amazing legacy. By pure fate, I ended up casting the perfect person to play Pops," he tweeted. "Just like my grandfather, George was a kid at heart with a magical spark. I think these memories say it all..."

Actor Ben Stiller shared his personal favorite movie of the late legendary actor and praised his journey in Hollywood. He tweeted, "My personal favorite George Segal movie is 'The Hot Rock.' What a career. What a nice man, what an iconic cool funny 70's movie star. #RIP."

"Shocked and saddened to hear of #GeorgeSegal passing away! From being on set of #JustShootMe to directing him on #Goldbergs, he was a true gem and great man. He will be missed!" Melissa Joan Hart tweeted.

Josh Gad, who worked with George in "Love & Other Drugs," said, "So beyond sad and heartbroken to say goodbye to my film dad, the late, great #GeorgeSegal - I was so starstruck on set. To my surprise he not only let me ask him about all of his incredible experiences but indulged me in stories I could have never possibly imagined. RIP."

George has portrayed Pops' character on "The Goldbergs" since the 1980s and he has completed filming episode 16 of season 8, which is set to telecast on April 7. He started his career with "The Young Doctors," which was released in 1961 and went on to work in "The Longest Day" (1962), starring Henry Fonda and John Wayne.

His other important works include "Just Shoot Me" and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?," for which he was nominated for an Oscar.

Pranksters changed the iconic Hollywood sign to read "Hollyboob"
Pranksters changed the iconic Hollywood sign to read "Hollyboob" GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / MARIO TAMA
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