Renowned actor Peter Crombie, celebrated for his portrayal of "Crazy" Joe Davola on the iconic sitcom "Seinfeld," passed away at the age of 71 after facing an undisclosed illness.

The sad news was shared by Crombie's ex-wife, Nadine Kijner, through a touching tribute on social media, expressing shock and extreme sadness over his death.

‘Seinfeld’ actor Peter Crombie, who played ‘Crazy Joe Davola,’ dead at 71 https://t.co/kEMNQKvcS2 pic.twitter.com/Iuf7noIiHl

— New York Post (@nypost) January 13, 2024

The statement

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kijner shared a montage of photos from their wedding day and extended gratitude for the wonderful memories Crombie provided.

She described him as a kind, giving, caring, and creative soul, bidding farewell with the hope that he would "fly free into the un-boundless source of light."

While Kijner acknowledged that Crombie had been grappling with a brief illness leading up to his passing, specific details about the nature of his ailment were not disclosed.

Despite the challenges, Kijner emphasized Crombie's exceptional qualities, portraying him as the kindest, most caring, and considerate man, loved by everyone he encountered.

His role on 'Seinfeld'

Crombie's most notable role came in the fourth season of "Seinfeld" in 1992, where he embodied the peculiar and unhinged character of Crazy Joe Davola.

Throughout the season, Crombie's portrayal of the character, who terrorized and threatened Jerry Seinfeld, left a lasting impression on fans.

One of the standout episodes featuring Crombie's character was "The Opera," where Crazy Joe Davola becomes romantically obsessed with Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and descends into psychotic jealousy upon learning about Jerry's past involvement. The character, named after TV producer Joe Davola, showcased Crombie's acting prowess.

Other roles

Crombie's acting journey commenced with a credited role in the 1987 TV movie "Broken Vows," starring alongside Tommy Lee Jones and Annette O'Toole. Over the years, he made guest appearances on several shows, including "Law & Order," "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," "L.A. Law," "L.A. Firefighters," "Picket Fences," "NYPD Blue" and "Walker, Texas Ranger."

Beyond television, Crombie graced the big screen with roles in movies like "Born on the Fourth of July," "Natural Born Killers," "Se7en," and "The Doors."

News of his passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry. Comedian Lewis Black expressed his heartbreak, praising Crombie as a gifted artist and a wonderful actor with immense writing talent.

He fondly remembered Crombie's sweetness and intelligence, acknowledging the positive impact of their longtime friendship.