Remembering George Segal

Losing the exponentially versatile, classy and beyond talented performer, George Segal, who died days back at age 87, leaves a bigger void in all those categories and as it grows bigger and less affordable, praise and memories of Mr. Segal, perhaps, can soothe.

Working back to front, Segal always blessed with the comedic “chops,” exhibited them for newer audiences on television in shows called “Just Shoot Me” and “The Goldbergs.”

“Out of the past” me (maybe Jane Greer and Mr. Mitchum are greeting Mr. Segal now) me, watched neither, however, it is testimony to Mr. Segal and perhaps inspiration for me, that he worked until the end.

Oh the work and and performances he gave! He was part of many great full casts and I cite two. Then please consider his work as one of two, in so many great instances, some to be cited below.

My friend “The “Cheese” fell again today, a source of such frustration that she does so and is often “out of it,” battling depression. Yet when I mentioned George Segal, she came alive, citing her “love” for him, which started with his extraordinary turn in “A Ship of Fools.”

Going chalk or with the consensus is not usually me, however, the foursome of Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Sandy Dennis and Mr. Segal in the film adaptation of Edward Albee’s seminal book “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolff?” is at or near the top of any list.

I loved George with Jane Fonda in “Fun With Dick and Jane” and with Elliott Gould, who wrote “keep broadcasting clearly” at the same ’80 Lakers’ victory party at which I met Elgin Baylor, (I put a picture of Elgin, “Silk” Wilkes and me in the “Remembering Elgin” post, but it is not there) in “California Split.”

In each, the duos tried to “beat the system” and Segal along with Jane and Elliott, made you root for them.

George could be a romantic lead of any kind and with the fabulous Glenda Jackson in “A Touch of Class,” he proved to be one of the best.

Many more, what a career, what a mensch–no higher complement! Go easy, George Segal and I will watch more of your work and try to keep going.

George Segal, pictured above.