“Seinfeld” Star Peter Crombie Dead at 71: 'A Kind, Giving, Caring and Creative Soul'

The actor's ex-wife announced his death on Instagram before telling PEOPLE, "Peter was first of all a gentle Soul and a true gentleman"

Peter Crombie, best known for his roles in Seinfeld and House of Frankenstein, has died. He was 71.

Crombie's ex-wife Nadine Kijner shared her “shock and extreme sadness” as she announced her husband’s death on Instagram on Wednesday.

“It is with shock and extreme sadness that I share my ex-husband died this morning,” Kijner began the post. “Thank you for so many wonderful memories and being such a good man. Fly free into the Un-boundless source of light, Peter. May you be greeted with love by your parents, and Oliver 🐈‍⬛," Kijner began her tribute.

“So, so many people loved you because you were a kind, giving, caring and creative soul,” Kijner's post concluded.

Beside her touching tribute, Kijner posted photos of her and Crombie on their wedding day. In the snaps, the couple embraced during their wedding reception and kissed underneath a white altar decorated in tulle. Crombie fed Kijner a piece of wedding cake in another sweet shot shared.

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Kijner responded to PEOPLE's request for comment with an additional statement.

"Peter was first of all a gentle Soul and a true gentleman, very smart and personally like a rock to those who knew him, reliable, dependable and consistent. He was a gifted Yale-trained actor, a prolific writer and a true artist," she wrote.

"Obviously loved for playing Crazy Joe Davola, on Seinfeld, he often was cast as bad guys, interesting, complicated characters like Bernard Goetz, but in real life, he was very sweet in an old-school way," she continued. "When not working as an actor on stage or in front of a camera, he was genuinely humble, preferring others to talk and take main stage. He was always helpful, giving and funny. He was one the kindest, soft-spoken, loving and caring people I have ever met. A gentle giant." 

Kijner wrote, "His passing was sudden to me, as we hadn't communicated since October, 2023, when he seemed fine, and I am feeling the shock and heartbreak that he is gone. He was the type of person to not complain, or bother anyone, preferring to go through things in a solitary way. He is truly loved by so many friends and colleagues, and missed deeply and painfully right now by many of his life-long friends. A loyal man, a wonderful actor and writer." 

Finally, Crombie's ex-wife confirmed, "He passed from a fast intestinal illness on Wednesday."

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Crombie was widely known for his Seinfeld character “Crazy” Joe Davola, a figure who constantly terrorized Jerry Seinfeld's character of the same name. He died following on Wednesday following a short illness, TMZ first reported.

Alongside his Seinfeld role, which he portrayed for five episodes in the hit sitcom from 1992 to 1993, Crombie had more than 35 acting credits for TV and movies in his long career. 

Crombie’s first listed role on IMDb was in the 1987 TV movie Broken Vows. He went on to star in various TV shows, including the mini series House of Frankenstein (1997), L.A. Firefighters (1996), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993), Law & Order (1991), and As the World Turns (1989).

The actor also starred in the films Natural Born Killers (1994) and Born on the Fourth of July (1989).

Crombie’s most recent role was back in 2000 as Detective Moody in the TV series Walker, Texas Ranger.

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The late actor was paid tribute to by friends on social media following the news of his death. 

Friend and comedian Lewis Black wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Am heartbroken by the death of my good friend Peter Crombie. He was a gifted artist. Not only was he a wonderful actor but an immensely talented writer. More importantly he was as sweet as he was intelligent and I am a better person for knowing him.”

Friend Bill Stetz wrote on Facebook: “It is with a sad heart that today, I convey that my good friend Peter Crombie has passed away. For those who knew him, he was a gentle and loyal friend of soft words and expressive work as an actor and a writer. Rest in peace, Peter.”

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