Veteran Hollywood actor –- and long-time Treasure Valley resident -- George Kennedy has died.
The Canyon County Coroner’s office confirms Kennedy died of natural causes about 4:30 a.m. Sunday morning at a senior care facility in Middleton.
He was 91.
Kennedy is best known for his roles in such theatrical releases as “Cool Hand Luke” (in which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor), “The Sons of Katie Elder,” “The Dirty Dozen,” “Earthquake,” “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot,” and the “Airport” and “Naked Gun” movies series, among many others.
In 2008, Kennedy attended the film premiere at the Egyptian Theatre in Boise of “The Man Who Came Back,” a Civil War-era drama in which he appeared with fellow veteran TV actor Eric Braeden, long-time star of the daytime drama “The Young and the Restless.”
Kennedy appeared in over 200 films and television productions, including an 1988-1991 role as an oil tycoon on the CBS series “Dallas.”
Kennedy and his wife moved to the Treasure Valley years ago to be closer to family members.
The Canyon County Coroner’s Office says Kennedy had been suffering from heart problems and was under hospice care.
Six On Your Side anchor Don Nelson interviewed Kennedy on several occasions. “He was extremely personable and easy-going, just like talking with an old friend,” Don said.
Don will have more about the late Oscar-winning actor tonight at 10.
Funeral arrangements for Kennedy have not yet been announced.
