Much loved actorArt LaFleur, known to many for his portrayal of Babe Ruth in 1993’sThe Sandlotand as Chick Gandil in 1989’sField of Dreams, has passed away after a ten year battle with Parkinson’s. The actor was revealed by his wife Shelley to have died at home with his family around him on Wednesday. According to the report, he spent his last hours cracking jokes to keep the mood light right up until he slipped away. His wife called LaFleur a “generous and selfless man” and while that came across in his professional life, she added that “more importantly it was who he was for his family and friends.”
For many of the actor’s fans, there were two of his many performances that stuck out, both coincidentally based in the world of baseball. In 1989, he starred alongside Kevin Costner inField of Dreams, playing Chicago White Sox’s Chick Gandil, who played a prominent role in the team’s Black Sox scandal. He also appeared as a ghost in the movie, which was something that he would do again when he turned up as the spirit of Babe Ruth inThe Sandlot, where he gave a pep talk to young character Benny.
Speaking aboutThe Sandlotin 2018, LaFleur said, “I get recognized for this film more than any other. It’s the best one-day job I’ve ever had. There were people in my acting class who were really good. They were wonderful, but they wouldn’t get arrested, whereas I have this mug. I don’t know. I just have this face.” He also shared some advice for those attending the Q&A session held at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, saying, “If you are lucky enough to be cast in a film or on a television series the most important thing is to be sharp. Be on your game with the dialogue and everything else. And if they don’t talk to you, you’re doing fine."
Having started out on TV at the end of the 1970s, he had roles in dozens of TV movies and series of the 80s, includingThe Invisible Woman, MASHandEmergency Room, as well as feature films likeWar Games, TrancersandThe Blob. He continued to work regularly throughout the 1990s and 2000s, appearingalongside Mel Gibsonin bothForever YoungandMaverickin the early 90s and TheSanta Clause 2andThe Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clausein the 2000s, as well as making guest appearances in series should asMalcolm in the Middle, HouseandHome Improvement. He was still working until a few years ago with his last appearances being inThe Last Treasure Huntin 2016 andDivein 2017, despite his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease.
As a much loved character actor, LaFleur brought so many memorable characters to life on screen across four decades that he will be missed by his many fans and our thoughts go out to them as well as his family at this sad time.Rest in peace, Art LaFleur. This news came to us fromTMZ.
