Beloved character actorJon Polito, best known for his work with the Coen Brothers and on the hit NBC seriesHomicide: Life On the Street, passed away this morning at the age of 65. Hediedat City of Hope Hospital in Los Angeles from cancer complications. The actor was diagnosed with multiple myeloma six years ago, a disease that affects bone marrow plasma cells.
Deadlinereports that the actor’s family confirmed his passing on Friday.Jon Politowas born July 02, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He attended Villanova University on a drama scholarship before starting hisacting careeron and off Broadway in New York. He won an OBIE Award for five different performances during the off-Broadway season in 1979-1980, before transitioning into film and TV work in 1981 with a role inThe Gangster Chronicles.
Jon Politofirst started working with the Coen Brothers in 1990’sMillers Crossing, followed byBarton Finkthe next year. He also starred in the filmmakers’The Hudsucker Proxy,The Big LebowskiandThe Man Who Wasn’t There. He was also an original cast member of the hit NBC seriesHomicide: Life On the Street, starring in the first season before being written off. After a public confrontation with the producers, he was written out permanently in the show’s third season, with the character committing suicide, leading to one of the show’s most memorable episodes as the detectives learn of his death. Here’s what directorJohn McNaughton, who worked with the actor onHomicide: Life On the StreetandMasters of Horror, had to say in a statement on Facebook.
“Very sad to learn that my dear friend and collaborator,Jon Politohas passed away. John is probably best known for his work in Coen Brothers films, notablyBarton Fink,Miller’s CrossingandThe Big Lebowski.Jonand I worked together in TV starting with episodes ofHomicide: Life on the Street, some pilots andMasters of Horror. He appeared in over 100 films, countless TV episodes and on Broadway. Jon was a born actor and will be deeply missed by his legion of friends, fans, family and of course his long time partner,Darryl Armbrusterto whom I send my condolences. R.I.P. old pal - JM.”
Aside from his work with theCoen Brothersand onHomicide, the actor most recently starred inGangster SquadandBig Eyeson the big screen.Jon Politoalso provided the voice of Carmine Falcone in the video gameBatman: Arkham Underworldand guest starred on ABC’s hit sitcomModern Familyas Earl Chambers, the professional nemesis ofEd O’Neil’s character Jay Pritchett. His final filmThe Maestrois currently in production, which also starsSarah ClarkeandXander Berkeley.
