Tony Shalhoubpaid tribute toAlan Arkinfour years beforehis death.
“The greatest honor of my life is to be nominated in the same category as Alan Arkin, who has long been an idol of my mine,” he said at the time.
“I’m happy to say he’s a friend. He’s the reason I wanted to be an actor in the first place,” he added.
Tony Shalhoub and Alan Arkin.Eugene Gologursky/Getty, Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty

Eugene Gologursky/Getty, Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty
On Friday, PEOPLE exclusivelyconfirmed Arkin had diedvia his three sonsAdam, Matthew and Anthony, who jointly offered a statement on the family’s behalf.
“Our father was a uniquely talented force of nature, both as an artist and a man. A loving husband, father, grand and great grandfather, he was adored and will be deeply missed,” they said.
Rob Latour/Variety/Penske Media

“My experience of working with Alan were some of my most memorable. He will be deeply missed. Sincere condolences to his wife, Suzanne, and his family,” concluded Douglas, 78.
Other actors whoshared their condolenceson social media includedPaul Reiser,Patton Oswalt,Jennifer Tilly,John CusackandMichael McKean.
Arkin, who was the recipient of aTony Awardin 1963, more recently earned Emmy nominations in 2019 and 2020, andGolden GlobeandScreen Actors Guildnominations in 2020 and 2021. He received a total of six Emmy nominations over the course of his career.
He won the Academy Award for his role in 2006’sLittle Miss Sunshine, in which he played Edwin Hoover, the grandfather of the dysfunctional family. His role — whichonly spanned 14 minutes of screen time— earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Arkin’s memorable turn in the 2012Ben Affleck-directed political dramaArgoearned him his fourth Academy Award nomination. He played veteran producer Lester Siegel, whose sharp sense of humor and biting line delivery won over audiences.
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source: people.com