Merwin Goldsmith, whose career encompassed theatre, TV and film, died January 21 at his New York City home, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 81.

Born August 7, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, Goldsmith attended Detroit's Wayne State University and UCLA before studying acting in London at both the Bristol Old Vic and the Liverpool Playhouse.

Goldsmith was scheduled to make his Broadway debut in the original comedy Leda Had a Little Swan in 1968; however, the production never officially opened, playing only 14 previews. His official Broadway opening came in March 1970 in the musical Minnie’s Boys about the life of the Marx Brothers. Goldsmith was seen in ten other Broadway productions: The Visit, Chemin de Fer, Trelawny of the “Wells,” Rex, Dirty Linen & New-Found-Land, The 1940’s Radio Hour, Slab Boys, Me and My Girl, Grand Hotel, and Ain't Broadway Grand.

The character actor also triumphed on the silver and small screen. He appeared in 11 episodes of NBC’s Law & Order as well as The Good Wife, Goodtime Girls, the TV movies The Sunshine Boys and The Connection, and the 1983 miniseries Kennedy. His numerous film credits included Company Man, Rounders, Quiz Show, It Could Happen to You, The Hurricane, Cadillac Man, Making Mr. Right, and Lovesick.

Goldsmith was married to Barbara Parry, who survives him, for 22 years; his survivors also include brothers Mark, Jonathan, and Steven; sister Barbara; granddaughter Sally; and Jamie, his stepson.