David William Huddleston (September 17, 1930 – August 2, 2016)

LOS ANGELES (AP) –  David Huddleston, a character actor best known for
portraying titular roles in "The Big Lebowski" and "Santa Claus: The Movie,"
has died.

Huddleston’s wife, Sarah C. Koeppe, said he died Tuesday of advanced heart
and kidney disease in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Huddleston famously portrayed the blustery millionaire whose identity Jeff
Bridges’ character is mistaken for in the 1998 cult comedy film "The Big
Lebowski."

Other credits in his 55-year-long career include the films "Blazing Saddles,"
”The Producers" and "Santa Claus: The Movie," as well as such TV series
as "The West Wing," ”Gilmore Girls" and "The Wonder Years."

Huddleston was born in 1930 in Vinton, Virginia. He served as an aircraft
engine mechanic in the U.S. Air Force before studying acting in New York.

David Huddleston in Santa Claus: The Movie (1985).