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David Huddleston as Lebowski
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American actor David Huddleston has died, aged 85.
Huddleston, who lived in New Mexico, was best known for playing the millionaire title role in The Coen Brothers The Big Lebowski. He also starred alongside Dudley Moore in Santa Claus: The Movie.
Born in 1930, Huddleston served as an engine mechanic in the US Air Force before forging a career as a character actor, with roles also including Mayor Olson Johnson in Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles. He was nominated for an Emmy in 1990 for a guest appearance in TV comedy The Wonder Years.
His widow Sarah Koeppe - who was a casting director on Santa Claus: The Movie - said he died on Tuesday as a result of advanced heart and kidney disease.
She told the Santa Fe New Mexican: "He was never the star. He got to work with or become friends with all kinds of people, including stars, and it always amazed him."
He is also survived by his son, actor Michael Huddleston.
