Charles Grodin passed from bone marrow cancer at 86 today....one of the greatest comedic straight men in the game...straight meaning the Dean Martin to Jerry Lewis role.....I always thought he was what Chevy Chase tried to be but funnier...He was awesome with Kevin Kline in the movie Dave as the accountant driving the Dodge Dart.....underrated talent.
I was introduced to him when he replaced Tom Snyder on CNBC (I think?). Hated him at first but grew to really like his style.
I didn't realize he was that old. One of my lowkey favorite rolls of his was in the movie Dave. He was such an amazing supporting actor.
He was at his best in Heaven Can Wait with Warren Beatty. Grodin played Tony Abbott, Warren Beatty's Executive Assistant and Dian Cannon's lover. Joe Pendleton : Abbott? Abbott? There's a trainer for the Rams named Max Corkle. Could you call lhim tomorrow and ask him to come over and see me? Tony Abbott : [from behind the bedroom curtains after a long pause] Yes, Mr. Farnsworth. Joe Pendleton : Thank you. Good night. Julia Farnsworth : You idiot. You idiot! Why did you answer him? Tony Abbott : I couldn't resist. His will is too strong.