Stacy Keach, Acclaimed Character Actor From ‘Fat City’ and ‘Roadgames,’ Dies at 85

Skip to content Among other things, Keach won an Emmy for his memorable turn on John Carpenter’s “Body Bags” November 10, 2026 @ 4:57 PM (Photo credit: Getty Images) Cinema has lost one of its great character actors. Stacy Keach, one of our great character actors whose roles ranged from Shakespearean to classic tough guys, has passed away at the age of 85. Keach died at his home in Magdalenka, Poland. His death was announced by his fourth wife, Malgosia Tomassi Keach. “After a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure, Stacy peacefully departed this world,” Keach’s widow said in a statement. “He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life. Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.” Among his many film roles were in John Huston’s “Fat City,” cult Australian thriller “Roadgames,” Walter Hill’s “The Long Riders” (where he appeared with his brother James Keach), Alexander Payne’s “Nebraska” and a fruitful collaboration with John Carpenter that included “Escape from L.A.” and an Emmy-winning turn in Carpenter’s television movie “Body Bags.” He last appeared in Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly” for Netflix. More to come …