Actor Irwin Keyes Dies From Rare Disorder: Rob Zombie And Hollywood Pays Tribute [Video]
Actor Irwin Keyes, best known for his roles on The Jeffersons and in horror movies, died this week in his Playa Del Rey, California, home from a rare pituitary gland disorder, his manager, Phil Brock, confirmed to Entertainment Weekly. The actor was 63.
Rene Galarza, Irwin’s niece, also confirmed the news on her Facebook page that he died, reports E! News.
“Early this morning my family was informed that our beloved uncle, brother, teammate and friend, Irwin Keyes, has had his last curtain call. He is now an angel for us all and will be watching down. Our family wishes to thank all of you who have been a part of his life. He will be missed very much.”
Irwin was a character actor who was possibly best known for his recurring role in hit sitcom The Jeffersons as George Jefferson’s occasional bodyguard. Keyes was also popular as the character Wheezy Joe in Intolerable Cruelty, which he starred in with Catherine Zeta-Jones and George Clooney, and starred in 1994’s The Flintstones and in The Flintstones: Viva Rock Vegas in 2000, reports Us Weekly.
bummed to hear about the passing of the legendary Irwin Keyes. he was incredible nice and … http://t.co/NCXsXdYTS7 pic.twitter.com/HrpByK867V
— jeremy saffer (@jeremysaffer) July 9, 2015
Irwin Keyes also acted in films such as House of 1000 Corpses and Friday The 13th. Hollywood insiders paid tribute to the actor for his scary roles upon learning he died.
“Heartbreaking news our dear friend legendary horror character actor #IrwinKeyes passed away today. We will miss you!” wrote one industry insider after learning the news that Irwin died, “Thanks for the horror, Irwin Keyes!” wrote another.
Even Rob Zombie, who worked with Keyes in House of 1000 Corpses, paid tribute to the late actor upon hearing he died, writing, “I have just heard the terrible news that our friend Irwin Keyes has [died]. Irwin was a cool guy and a big part of the House of 1000 Corpses family. He will be missed by us all,” reports E! News.
R.I.P Irwin Keyes. #ripIrwinKeyes pic.twitter.com/zcxDXdPsTa
— Rob Zombie Films (@RobZombieFilms) July 8, 2015
Irwin Keyes suffered from his rare disorder for years, and had been in a rehabilitation center to treat his illness before he died.
Keyes played characters in the best horror movies, and although he was very effective in his role in the cult classic Friday the 13th, his manager said his horror personas couldn’t be further from his true nature. Brock worked with Irwin Keyes for over 20 years, and said “People would look at him and be instantly afraid of him and then they would meet him talk to him and instantly love him. He would play villains, but he had the kindest heart of all.”
Brock described Keyes as a “dear and close friend,” reports Entertainment Weekly.
Despite his illness, Irwin continued to act, racking up credits in Pretty Little Liars in 2013. He also completed filming a new horror movie titled Portend, reports Us Weekly. Irwin Keyes is survived by his wife, Tracy Fontaine.
[Image credit: Ethan Miller / Getty Images]
