TORONTO - Canadian actor Harvey Atkin, who was a regular on hit U.S. dramas "Law & Order" and "Cagney & Lacey," died Monday after a battle with cancer. He was 74.
His death was confirmed in a statement by his longtime friend and agent Larry Goldhar.
Atkin's career first took flight in 1979 when Canadian filmmaker Ivan Reitman cast the actor in the summer camp comedy "Meatballs," which co-starred Bill Murray, Kate Lynch and Chris Makepeace. His performance as Morty Melnick earned Atkin a Genie nomination
He appeared regularly as staff sergeant Ronald Coleman in the '80s detective drama "Cagney & Lacey" opposite Tyne Daly, Sharon Gless and Al Waxman. Atkin was also a regular on "Law and Order" as Judge Ridenour.
The actor lent his voice talents to a number of animated TV shows, including "Jacob Two-Two," "The Ripping Friends" and several Super Mario Bros. series. He had several guest-starring roles in television and film including "Ticket to Heaven," "Beetlejuice," "Silver Streak," "Atlantic City" and "Barney's Version."
Atkin is survived by his wife Celia, children Lisa and Danny, three sisters and five grandchildren.
