Jon Korkes, the veteran character actor known for his unforgettable roles in classic 1970s films and his later work shaping young performers, has died. He was 80.
Korkes passed away peacefully in his New York apartment on New Year’s Eve, according to his cousin, Nancy Drinkwater.
A familiar face in some of Hollywood’s most enduring films, Korkes worked with acclaimed directors and appeared in projects that became cultural touchstones. He collaborated with Alan Arkin on both the stage and screen versions of Little Murders and delivered a haunting performance as the doomed turret gunner Snowden in Catch-22, opposite Arkin’s Capt. John Yossarian — a brief but unforgettable role that lingered throughout the film.
During the 1970s, Korkes appeared in a string of notable movies, including The Day of the Dolphin, The Front Page, Cinderella Liberty, and Two-Minute Warning. His screen debut came in 1970’s The Out-of-Towners, starring Jack Lemmon.
Television audiences also knew Korkes well. Over the years, he appeared on shows ranging from All in the Family to Law & Order: Criminal Intent. He had a recurring role as corrections officer Tom Robinson on HBO’s Oz during the show’s final seasons and later showed up on The Larry Sanders Show, Homicide: Life on the Street, and multiple Law & Order series.
Beyond acting, Korkes devoted much of his later life to teaching. From 2008 until November of last year, he taught at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in Manhattan, where he became a beloved mentor to generations of students.
“He brought decades of experience across film, television, and theater into the classroom, meeting each student exactly where they were,” the school said in a statement. “He loved teaching, and his students knew it.”
Korkes often spoke about the importance of giving back, crediting mentors like Mike Nichols, Alan Arkin, and Jules Feiffer for helping launch his career.
“They were like the slightly older kids who let me play ball with them,” he once said. “They showed me things and they didn’t kick me out. You don’t forget that.”
Born Jonathan David Korkes on Dec. 4, 1945, in Lynn, Massachusetts, he was raised in nearby Marblehead and began his career on stage before moving into film and television. He also taught master classes abroad, including sessions for actors in Rio de Janeiro.