Peter Crombie.Photo:Randy Tepper/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Randy Tepper/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
Peter Crombie, best known for his roles inSeinfeldandHouse 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 onInstagramon Wednesday.
“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.
Crombie appeared in season four of ‘Seinfeld’ in 1992.Gary Farr/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Gary Farr/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
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, onSeinfeld, 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.”
Finally, Crombie’s ex-wife confirmed, “He passed from a fast intestinal illness on Wednesday.”
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Crombie was widely known for hisSeinfeldcharacter “Crazy” Joe Davola, a figure who constantly terrorizedJerry Seinfeld’s character of the same name. He died following on Wednesday following a short illness,TMZfirst reported.
The actor also starred in the filmsNatural Born Killers(1994) andBorn on the Fourth of July(1989).
Friend Bill Stetz wrote onFacebook: “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.”
source: people.com