Charles Grodin, a versatile comedic actor best known for his roles in movies like "The Heartbreak Kid," died Tuesday at his home in Connecticut, after battling bone marrow cancer. He was 86. With his deadpan comedy style, he co-starred opposite Warren Beatty in "Heaven Can Wait" and with Robert De Niro in "Midnight Run." He was a writer as well, with a number of plays and books to his credit. Throughout his career he worked on Broadway, too, getting nominated for Outstanding Actor in A Play in 1975 for "Same Time, Next Year." He appeared on talk shows often with David Letterman and Conan O'Brien. You may remember him from the family friendly "Beethoven" movies in 1992 and 1993, where he played the cranky dad to a scene-stealing big dog, a Saint Bernard.
Grodin was born in Pittsburgh and is survived by his wife of 38 years, a son and daughter, and a granddaughter. Thanks for the laughs, Charles Grodin.
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