Actor Jon Polito dead at 65

Jon Polito, a veteran character actor who had memorable roles in "The Big Lebowski" and other Coen brothers films and was an original cast member in the acclaimed NBC crime drama "Homicide: Life on the Street," died today. Director  John McNaughton shared the news in a Facebook post.

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Polito had more than 200 film and TV credits dating to 1981 miniseries "The Gangster Chronicles." He worked steadily for 35 years, including a appearances on "Modern Family" and "Major Crimes" last season. But the Philadelphia native probably is best known for his work in films by Joel and Ethan Coen, including "Miller’s Crossing" (1990) and "Barton Fink" (1986). He played a memorable role in 1998’s cult classic "The Big Lebowski" as a quirky private eye who initially pesters and then helps Jeff Bridges’ the Dude.