Stacy Keach, who for decades played grizzled tough guys on TV and in the movies, has died at 85 in Poland.
His wife, Malgosia Keach, told USA Today in a statement that the actor died at home in the town of Magdalenka on Tuesday after battling heart problems.
“After a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure, Stacy peacefully departed this world,” she said. “He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
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Mr. Keach became best known for playing Mike Hammer, a private detective character from Mickey Spillane’s novels, in films and a TV series in the 1980s
He also appeared in multiple stage and film roles, including a villainous turn in the 2012 blockbuster action film “The Bourne Legacy.”
Mr. Keach had recurring TV roles in the sitcom “Two and a Half Men” and as Ernest Hemingway in the 1988 miniseries “Hemingway.” The latter earned him a Golden Globe award and an Emmy nomination.
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He first became known as an accomplished Off-Broadway actor in the 1960s and 1970s. His theatrical accolades included four Drama Desk Awards, two Helen Hayes Awards and a 1970 Tony Award nomination for Best Actor for his performance in Arthur Kopit’s production of “Indians.”
In addition to his wife, Mr. Keach is survived by their children, Karolina and Shannon Keach, and their grandchildren.
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