NEW YORK — Actor Peter Crombie, best known for his portrayal of “Crazy” Joe Davola on the hit TV show “Seinfeld,” has passed away at the age of 71 after a battle with an illness. Crombie’s death was confirmed by his ex-wife Nadine Kijner, who shared the news on social media.
In a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, Kijner described Crombie as a kind, giving, and caring soul. She expressed her shock and extreme sadness at his passing and shared a montage of photos from their wedding day. Kijner did not provide further details about the illness Crombie had been battling.
Crombie gained popularity for his recurring role as Crazy Joe Davola, a bizarre and unhinged character who terrorized and threatened Jerry Seinfeld. He appeared in five episodes during the fourth season of “Seinfeld,” with his most notable appearance being in the episode titled “The Opera.” In that episode, his character becomes romantically obsessed with Elaine, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, leading to a dangerous encounter at a production of the opera “Pagliacci.”
Aside from his role in “Seinfeld,” Crombie had a successful career in both television and movies. He made appearances on shows such as “Law & Order,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” and “NYPD Blue.” In film, he had roles in movies like “Born on the Fourth of July,” “Natural Born Killers,” and “The Doors.”
Following the news of Crombie’s death, friends and members of the entertainment industry took to social media to pay tribute to the actor. Comedian Lewis Black described Crombie as a gifted artist and a wonderful actor. Another friend, Bill Stetz, praised Crombie’s gentle and loyal nature.
Peter Crombie will be remembered for his memorable portrayal of Crazy Joe Davola on “Seinfeld.” His death at the age of 71 is mourned by his loved ones and fans of his work.