Tony-Winning Star of Stage & Screen Fritz Weaver Passes Away at 90

The New York Times reports that Tony Award-winning actor Fritz Weaver, perhaps best known for his acclaimed performance as a German Jewish doctor killed by the Nazis in the 1978 mini-series HOLOCAUST, passed away on Saturday at his home in Manhattan. He was 90. Weaver's son-in-law, Bruce Ostler, confirmed the news of his death.

In 1970, Weaver received a Tony Award for his performance in Robert Marasco's drama CHILD'S PLAY, set in a dark environment at an exclusive Roman Catholic school for boys. He also received a Tony nomination for his appearance in THE CHALK GARDEN. His more recent Broadway appearances included RING AROUND THE MOON, THE CRUCIBLE, LOVE LETTERS, and ANGELS FALL. In 1965, he took on the role of Sherlock Holmes in the original musical BAKER STREET. In total, the actor appeared in 21 Broadway productions.

His other TV credits included the made-for-television movie The Legend of Lizzie Borden. He was also known for his work in science fiction and fantasy, especially in television series and movies like The Twilight Zone, Night Gallery, The X-Files, The Martian Chronicles and Demon Seed. Beginning in 1995, Weaver worked primarily as a voice actor, providing narration for programs on the History Channel.

On the big screen, he appeared in such movies as Fail-Safe (1964) Marathon Man (1976), Black Sunday (1977) and Creepshow (1982), and John McTiernan's remake of The Thomas Crown Affair (1999). He also had roles in The Day of the Dolphin (1973), Demon Seed (1977), The Big Fix (1978), and Sidney Lumet's Power (1986).

Photo Credit: Genevieve Rafter-Keddy