The Hollywood community is in mourning once again, as a great character actor has passed away.David Huddleston, best known as the title character in theCoen Brothers' classicThe Big Lebowski, died at the age of 85. The actor’s wife,Sarah Koeppe, confirmed that her husband died on Tuesday in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He had passed from advanced heart and kidney disease.
The Los Angeles Timesconfirmed the actor’s death with his wife.David Huddlestonwas born August 16, 2025 in Vinton, Virginia, which is part of the Blue Mountains region. He would act in local community productions before he attended the Fork Military Academy in Fork Union, Virginia. He served four years in the U.S.Air Forceas an aircraft engine mechanic, and when his service had ended, he went to New York to study acting on the G.I. Bill.
He trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and landed numerous roles on Broadway and in guest-starring TV roles on hit shows such asAdam-12,BewitchedandBonanza. He started landing more and more movie roles such asFool’s Parade,Bad Company, alongside his futureBig Lebowskico-starJeff Bridges,McQandBlazing Saddles. His wife said that her husband always talk about how he was in “everycult film,” but that they never got the money when they needed it. Here’s what she had to say about her husband.
“Things were not important to him - people were. He loved entertaining and would rather sit down and talk with someone over dinner.”
After a lengthy career that spanned more than 30 years, he landed the title role inThe Big Lebowskiand reinvented his career. He went on to guest star in several beloved TV shows likeGilmore Girls,The West Wing,JerichoandThe Wonder Years. He also starred inSanta Claus: The MovieandThe Producers, and one of his last roles was a guest starring spot on FX’s hit comedy seriesIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
