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R.I.P. David Huddleston of 'The Big Lebowski' and many MeTV shows

The beloved character actor also starred in favorites like 'Bewitched,' 'Gunsmoke' and 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show.'

August 5, 2016, 10:35AM By MeTV Staff

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David Huddleston, who's best known for his role in The Big Lebowski after appearing in bit parts on several classic TV shows, died Tuesday at the age of 85.

Huddleston had a career spanning five decades, getting his start on television and eventually making his way to feature films. Throughout the 1970s, the actor appeared on a variety of programs, including Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Emergency!, The Rockford Files and Hawaii Five-O. Perhaps you remember him hanging out with Mary and Sue Ann at a convention in Chicago on The Mary Tyler Moore Show?

Huddleston (left) on 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show'

Bit parts like those made him a familiar face on television, but Huddleston had some notable film roles as well.

Landing his first big roles in the 1970s, Huddleston appeared in Blazing Saddles as Olson Johnson. In 2005, he had the opportunity to work with Mel Brooks again in the film adaptation of the musical The Producers.

Perhaps Huddleston is best remembered for his role as the titular character in The Big Lebowski starring Jeff Bridges and Julianne Moore. The film, released in 1998, was panned when it was released, but eventually became a cult classic.

Despite successful roles on film, Huddleston remained true to his roots on television. Throughout the '90s, he appeared on Murder, She Wrote, Columbo and The Wonder Years. In 2000, Huddleston worked with Aaron Sorkin on The West Wing.

Huddleston's wife told The Los Angeles Times the actor died in Santa Fe, New Mexico, from advanced heart and kidney disease.

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