Robert Prosky

 Robert Prosky, born Robert Joseph Porzuczek (December 13, 1930 – December 8, 2008)

He became a well-known supporting actor in the 1980s with his roles in Thief (1981), Christine (1983), The Natural (1984), and Broadcast News (1987). Prosky's other notable movies include Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990), Hoffa (1992), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), Last Action Hero (1993), Miracle on 34th Street (1994), Dead Man Walking (1995), and Mad City (1997). He was considered for the role of Martin Crane in Frasier and later made a guest appearance in the series as a reclusive writer. He was offered the role of Coach Ernie Pantusso on Cheers, but turned it down; he later portrayed Rebecca Howe's father on the same show. In addition to his film and television career, he appeared in numerous productions at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., most notably as Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman. In 1960, he married Ida Hove, and had three sons, Stefan, John and Andrew Prosky. Andrew and John Prosky are also actors. Prosky died on December 8, 2008 at age 77, of complications from heart surgery. He is buried at Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C