Eli Wallach Dead At 98 - Hollywood Film Legend From 'The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly' Iconic Fame Dies

One of Hollywood's most treasured actors, Eli Wallach, died this week at the age of 98. Known mostly for his portrayal of "Tuco" in the iconic Sergio Leone western The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly opposite Clint Eastwood, Wallach had been label one of the most versatile actors of his generation and kept that up for over 60 years in the business. His wife, Anne Jackson - whom Eli married in 1948 and remained with up until his death - and three children survive him.

Though his The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly role is his most recognizable performance, Wallach was also featured in such great films as The Magnificent Seven, The Two Jakes, The Godfather Part III, The Misfits and many others adding up to a whopping 167 acting credits according to his IMDB page.

He never won an Oscar, but in 2010, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gave the actor an honorary award for his achievements and contributions to cinema. While introducing Wallach for this award, the Academy referred to him as "the quintessential chameleon, effortlessly inhabiting a wide range of characters, while putting his inimitable stamp on every role."

"As an actor I've played more bandits, thieves, warlords, molesters and Mafiosi than you could shake a stick at," Wallach stated when accepting his Oscar, but added that his life outside of his career was much more humble.

You can check out Wallach's acceptance speech right here:

Eli Wallach was truly an American treasure of a talent. He will be missed.

(via the NYT)