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Maury Chaykin Obituary
Paul Hemrend said Chaykin died at a Toronto hospital surrounded by family early Tuesday morning - the day of his birthday.
Mark McKinney, who produced Chaykin's most recent series, the HBO Canada sitcom "Less Than Kind," said the veteran actor died after battling kidney problems.
"He was one of our greatest actors," said McKinney, adding that the cast was devastated by the death. "Maury's an actor of unparalleled gifts, you cannot learn what he had in spades - you could study for 1,000 years. He had an incredible gift, an instant quickness."
Chaykin had roles in "Dances With Wolves," "The Postman," "Owning Mahoney," "Mystery," "Alaska," "A Life Less Ordinary," and "The Adjuster." He has also been in the TV shows "C.S.I.," "Boston Legal," the HBO series "Entourage." His acting career spans 35 years.
His role in "Whale Music," a Canadian film, earned him a Genie (the Canadian equivalent to the Oscars) for best performance by an actor in a supporting role in 1994. He also picked up Geminis (the Canadian equivalent of the Emmy Awards) for guest spots on the Canadian TV series "La Femme Nikita" in 1998 and "At the Hotel" in 2006.
Chaykin was born in 1949 in New York to an American father and a Canadian mother before moving to Toronto in 1974.
He is survived by his wife, actress Susannah Hoffman, and their daughter Rose.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
135 Entries
Carmine Carlesimo
May 4, 2024
Alway remember seeing him playing at woodbine racetrack when I worked there as security. I remember when I first saw him walk in I knew him as the actor from Dances with wolves. May you rest in peace and tanks for the great movies
M Wolfe
October 13, 2022
I still enjoy immensely his character in the movie "The Mouse Hunt" M Wolfe Australia. Gone but not forgotten. 13/10/22
Robert King
August 3, 2012
I will miss Maury Chaykin.I will always think of him as Nero Wolf,a classic detective series.He will be greatly missed
C. M.
October 4, 2010
May the God of all comfort, bring comfort to the family and friends of Maury Chaykin. We look forward to the time when sickness and death is a thing of the past.
How you can show support
October 2, 2010
I thoroughly enjoyed his potrayal of Nero Wolf with Timothy Bottoms. They played off each other very well. I just found this web site and so sorry to hear of his passing.
C. M.
September 27, 2010
May the God of comfort and tender mercies continue to comfort your family and friends, and may you find comfort in the words found in the Holy Scriptures: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."" Please accept my sincere condolences during this time of your loss.
mary dettmer
August 30, 2010
He brought a wonderful character into our homes and hearts. He WAS Nero Wolfe, no one could have done that role as well. We mourned the loss of that terrific show, hoping that some day they would do another. We are deeply saddened to hear of his passing; our condolences to his family. We will never forget his talent.
Mattie Hill
August 17, 2010
A wonderful actor with who brought magic to the screen. I will miss his work. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Howard Sprotzer
August 9, 2010
I knew Maury in my first year in James Madison High school in Brooklyn. we sat next to each other in Hebrew class, and he had a great sense of humor. He was a wonderful character actor who really could pay any role. My condolences to his wife, his daughter, and his sister Debbie, whom i also knew in High School
Victoria`Andrew VZj
August 8, 2010
A loss of a good man
and great actor..
our condlences go with
your entire family
~RIP Maury Chaykin~
Emil Blatz
August 7, 2010
Just saw "My Cousin Vinny" for the nnth time, and Maury was very fine in that. RIP
John Reed
August 7, 2010
His role as the tortured officer in Dances with Wolves was devestating. It was a small role but the most unforgetable character in that movie. It is always a pleasant surprise to me when I see him in a film. He was a great actor. Blessings to his family.
Jim Mozingo
August 6, 2010
I was watching Maury earlier tonight as Nero Wolfe. We have the whole collection and watch the episodes over and over again. It's sad to lose such a talent, but we were all fortunate to have had him to share for as long as we did. To his family, our deepest sympathies and condolences. Jim Mozingo (Jackson, MS)
S Roberts
August 6, 2010
Truly a great actor - Dances with Wolves-one of my all time favorite, and Mystery Alaska - his performances will never be forgotten.
August 6, 2010
He was a great actor. I am sorry for your loss and praying for your family. Debbie Neitz, Elko, Nevada
Mark Kroczynski
August 6, 2010
Sadly, this obituary doesn't mention his brilliant and touching role in "Unstrung Heroes" as one of two eccentric uncles who teach a youth coming of age the importance of family and dealing with death. My condolences to the family, and thanks for the performances Maury.
Sandy Durrett
August 5, 2010
My prayers and thoughts are with Maury's family. I met him briefly in Durham, NC several years ago. He was a man of many talents, a warm personality, great sense of humor and great love for his family. May God be with you in this time of loss.
August 5, 2010
I am sorry for your loss, May the God of all comfort and tender mercies are with you in your time of grief.
2corinthians 1:3, 4
Sincerely,
Lynette Gonzalez
Dave
August 5, 2010
What a fantastic actor. No one has mentioned his role in Death Hunt with Charles Bronson. One of my favorite movies. He will be truly missed.
toni costanzo/silletta
August 4, 2010
In God's Gentle Hands He Rests
Denise Duguay
August 4, 2010
Sincere condolences for the family's loss and for the loss of a damn fine Canadian actor and storyteller.
August 4, 2010
What a neat person...will miss you
Lindy Swan
August 4, 2010
We'll meet again on some bright highway,
Songs to sing and tales to tell...
Until I see you, fare thee well
Safe journey, my friend. I'll see
you at the shore.
Catherine Hunt
August 3, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. We were sitting here discussing his role in Dances with Wolves and our shock and sadness to hear of his passing. He left us with so many wonderful performances to remember him by. My deepest condolences. May he rest in peace.
August 3, 2010
Sorry to hear of his death. We were just watching Nero Wolf series and commenting on how good an actor he was.....
Brenda Lowes
August 2, 2010
I am so sorry for your lost, Maury was always a great guy....he never forgot the people he met along the way myself included came to my 50th birthday and I have him on camera saying nothing but glowing compliments about me thank you Maury. Another light has gone out.
Brenda Lowes
Elen Burns
August 2, 2010
Paying My Respects
larry schwartz
August 2, 2010
to the family,
i am very sorry for your loss.
to rose,
i grew up with your dad, p.s. 197, madison h.s., played ball, hung out on kings hwy. he was always a good person to be around. his talent speaks for itself. senior year sing was the first time i saw him on stage. good choice maury, actually we called him chaykin. drove by his house the other day just out of respect. sad, sad. love to all. larry
Jim Dachik
August 2, 2010
I had the privilege of working with Maury many years ago Off-Off Broadway in NYC on Subject To Fits. I have always held his talent in high regard and I have never laughed so hard or long with any other actor I’ve worked with. Working with him just once was a blessing. He’ll be greatly missed.
L.K. Potter
August 2, 2010
My favorite role was his portrayal of Nero Wolfe in the same-named series with Timothy Hutton. We are fortunate to have technology that can preserve his performances.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Ruth
August 1, 2010
To The Chaykin Family,
How very sorry we are to read of Maury Chaykin's passing. So many people looked forward to being entertained by his movies and TV shows. May the void you now feel in your hearts be tempered by your many wonderful memories.
Rev. 21:3-4 is a passage that brought me much comfort when we lost I husband. (Please read it when you can.)
Best wishes and comfort,
August 1, 2010
May your family have a measure of peace knowing that the God of comfort is with your family (2cor.1:3,4)
Atlanta,Ga.
August 1, 2010
A great actor, a grand presence in the lives of those who felt Nero Wolfe was a member of the family. He will be missed.
Michael and Eva Brown
Guilford, Conn. USA
lea kamin
July 31, 2010
were very sorry to hear about Maurys' passing, he was an excellent actor we send our sympathy to the Chaykin family sincerely, Lea and Steve
Mike Maresh
July 31, 2010
Maury was a great actor.
I will miss him.
July 31, 2010
My five year old daughter and I were under a juniper tree this afternoon collecting juniper berries. Nero insisted that too many candied juniper berries will spoil the pork roast. What rich, dimensional imagery his acting has left us. His roles were never ordinary. Our little family received so much joy from his work. Our warmest thoughts go out to his family and friends.
July 31, 2010
Top of the list for riveting actor best in big roles but brought instant credibility to even the smallest roles. I guess it's selfish to think of how many more moments he would have given us. I agree with everyone, but no one has mentioned "Cold Comfort".
Order of Canada seems most appropriate.
My condolences to family and friends
~Greg Bailey, Ridgeway, Ontario
MerlG
July 31, 2010
Death can leave a heartache that only GOD by means of His love can heal.May the GOD of comfort be with you at this time. 2 Corinthians 1:3&4.
Accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Wanda Henry
July 31, 2010
My condolences are for the Chaykin family and friends at this time of bereavement. Death is not a easy thing, your grief can be great done this time. Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you at this sad time. We draw close to God through prayer.
T.N. Moss
July 31, 2010
You couldn't watch many movies without Maury Chaykin. He was simply a movieland staple! He will be greatly missed.
July 31, 2010
we enjoyed the nero wolfe series so very much. such a wonderful actor! dances with wolves another great acting part! we will miss you. bill & joan, strongsville, ohio u.s.a
sue beanthoney
July 31, 2010
i remember this guy from home alone ,my how time flys.susan beanthoney westwood ,ma
CHERYL MILLER
July 30, 2010
I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW HE PASSED UNTIL I WAS CHECKING SOME LOCAL OBITUARIES... I LOVED HIM IN THE ROLE OF NERO WOLFE ...... A GREAT ACTOR!!!!!!!!!!!
jane locker
July 30, 2010
I have enjoyed watching Maury Chaykin in a few movies..he was so talented and a great actor..we will miss him..Rest in peace
Cynthia Staton
July 30, 2010
Rest in Peace Mr.Chaykin... you will be missed!!
Linda Hastings
July 30, 2010
Whale Music - I love this movie and Maury was amazing! I will miss him.
Joann Mushik
July 30, 2010
I am so sorry to hear the sad news...I am a long time La Femme Nikita fan and the episode that Mr. Chaykin was in, "Innocent" was one of my all time favorites...I am deeply saddened to think the world lost such a talented actor.
Jim Dwiggins
July 30, 2010
Lots of memorable characters; very versatile actor who will be sorely missed. "Long live the King; the King is dead."
Ellen Dubin
July 30, 2010
I am so sad to see we have lost a true legend and a fabulous complex sweet bear of a man.
Susannah and Rose, I send my sincere condolences.
What a devastating loss for both of you
He will be sorely missed!
Harry Simpson
July 29, 2010
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Jane Todd
July 29, 2010
"No self respectin Southerner uses instant grits"...golly I used that line just a week or so ago! I have always enjoyed Maury's work...so many memorable characters. He will be sadly missed by many.
bren franklin
July 29, 2010
He will definetly be missed. Great character actor.
Sandy M
July 29, 2010
I'll never forget...
"No self-respectin' Southerner uses instant grits."
R.I.P. Maury
Sandy M
July 29, 2010
I'll never forget...
"No self-respectin' Southerner uses instant grits."
R.I.P. Maury
July 29, 2010
NERO WOLFE IS MY FAVORITE SHOW AND I WISH IT WERE STILL ON TV. HE WAS THE BEST!!!
Valerie Roth
July 29, 2010
Sorry to hear about this as I enjoyed his acting; especially in Nero. Rest in peace.
Lynn
July 29, 2010
So sorry we lost such a talented actor. I'll always think of Maury as Nero Wolfe.
My condolences to his loved ones.
Lyla V
July 29, 2010
My condolences to family and friends. I've enjoyed Maury's acting for years. RIP.
Marilyn Mann
July 29, 2010
my condolences goes out to the family of Mr. Chaykin. May the God of all comfort bring comfort to the family.
Mary Jeffers
July 29, 2010
In Memory of Maury Chaykin:
So sorry to hear of your passing. I recall memorable performances in "Mousehunt" and notably, "Devil in A Blue Dress". You will be soley missed. Thank you Canada for giving us a lot of great acting talent, Lorne Greene, John Candy, Jim Carrey,and Mr. Maury Chaykin. Rest in peace, Maury, until we meet up in the skies.
Debra Woods
July 29, 2010
He was a wonderful and gifted actor and was taken too young. We will always remember him best in his role as Nero Wolfe.
Thinking of you, his family and close friends in this time of sorrow,
Debra and Dale Woods
Michigan
July 29, 2010
Even with the small part he had in dances with wolves, you would take notice of what he had to say. They should have written many more scenes for him. Rest in peace. Earle, Piercetown, S.C.
Ron Hachey
July 29, 2010
A great actor and he will be missed.RIP Mr.Chaykin.
Kevin Bell
July 29, 2010
Deepest sympathies to Mr. Chaykin's family... truly a sad time.
I always loved his performances in Nero Wolfe.
- Kevin
Gerald Cusato
July 29, 2010
To the Chaykin Family; may the peace of God that excels all thought, comfort you during this time of sorrow. Philippians 4:7
Pat Adams
July 29, 2010
It is with great sadness that I read about Mr Chaykins death. He was a masterful artist and will be greatly missed by his fans!
Shirley Griffin
July 29, 2010
Please accept my condolences for your loss, I am sure he will be missed by his family friends and fans may the God who gives peace be with you in your time of grief.
Joseph Thor
July 29, 2010
From My Cousin Vinny. Mr. Tipton do you remember what you ate for breakfast. I had eggs and gritts, I like gritts. Do you remember how long it took you to cook them, 5 minutes. Are you telling me that gritts cook faster in your kitchen, when it takes the whole entire gritt eating nation longer. I'm a fast cook I guess. RIP Mr. Chaykin
Dennis Kasabian
July 28, 2010
Maury was such an versatile actor. Enjoyed his character in La Femme Nakita as the Pizza Potso Delivery guy taking care of his little sister. He showed he could play and be one of us. Sad to lose him
Vera Romano-Biscardi
July 28, 2010
Remembering Maury at family get-togethers. Such a gracious and wonderful person. A great actor.
"All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts."
My condolences to his family.
Karen Williams
July 28, 2010
Susannah, Rose and the Chaykin Family,
One of the greatest days I ever had was at Disneyland with Maury years ago. A great,funny,wonderful friend. It was an honour to know him.My heart is with you.
Cherie Thomas-Wood
July 28, 2010
My Condolences to the Chaykin Family. Maury will be greatly missed by those who knew him.
Gordon Shumway
July 28, 2010
Sad to had heard this. I Always liked his style a great loss
george schlossman
July 28, 2010
So sad to hear of Mr Chaykins death at such an early age.
Great actor...cannot forget Unstrung Heroes,touching,heartfelt,human nature at it's best.
Condolences to his family.
george schlossman
brooklyn born
Jim
July 28, 2010
His phrase in War Games "Mr. Potato head!!" regarding the back door will live on til I die, I say it all the time when someone is being unusually absent minded, just for fun. Sad to hear his passing.
Jackie
July 28, 2010
I remember him from Wargames.
July 28, 2010
He was a great actor and I always enjoyed him as Nero Wolf.
July 28, 2010
Oh how the Heavens are enjoying him there.....lucky for them....sad for us!!!!
~Vicki
RAY
July 28, 2010
WONDERFUL ACTOR. WE WILL MISS HIM WITH SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY.
Patricia Katz
July 28, 2010
Maury, in addition to a being a wonderful actor, was a devoted and caring family man. And he was a loyal friend. I will miss him and have him in my thoughts. My deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Susana, his cherished daughter Rose and to the rest of his loved family.
Denny Hardy
July 28, 2010
Maury Chaykin was a very gifted actor and will be missed. I remember him from his movies, but loved him in Nero Wolfe tv series.. I own the DVD set and still watch the DVD's all of the time.
Jacob Deaton
July 28, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss and what a great actor he was, he will be missed but not forgotten, the screen will keep him alive forever.
Wil Crawford
July 28, 2010
I have enjoyed his work in too many movies & on television to recount. To Mr. Chaykin's family I am so sorry for your loss & the loss to the acting profession. I will miss him even here in Texas. May God Bless!
ROGER ENGLISH
July 28, 2010
HE WAS GREAT IN DANCING WITH WOLVES, IT WAS A SHAME HE DID NOT HAVE A BIGGER PART. R.I.P.MAURY, YOU WILL BE SADLY MISSED.
David Bradley
July 28, 2010
To the Chaykin family,
You gave us a good man working to perfect his craft so he could entertain others.It was very apparent he put a lot of heart into what he did.He simply glowed when he performed and made us fell so warm.We will miss his talent and miss his smile.Rest in peace Maury and thank you.
Lisa and Wayne Wells
July 28, 2010
So sad to read of Maury's passing. He was a fine actor. May he rest in Peace.
Jan Payne
July 28, 2010
I always enjoyed him in his roles. It's so sad that he died too young.
July 28, 2010
may the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort strength you in your time of need.... 2 cor.1:3,4 Ann Alanta, Ga.
Linda Scott
July 28, 2010
Maury's death is a sad loss indeed to the acting community.
He had great talent and humility. Deep sympathy is extended to all his family and friends.
rochelle
July 28, 2010
No matter what piece of work Maury Chaykin was in your eyes were riveted on him. He was just so watchable and did the most with any lines he had. He will be missed as an amazing artist. (rochelle knobel)
Bonnie Murphy
July 28, 2010
I had the pleasure to work with Maury on a movie set here in Toronto 20 years ago. We were trapped in a cubicle for 10 hours that one day, and the memory of this wonderful man has stayed with me all these years. He was gracious and patient, funny and thoughtful. He regaled me with stories of life on set and the people he encountered in his career. He even gave me the inside scoop on a little movie he had done in South Dakota. Years later I passed by Maury while walking in College Park. Without even thinking I grinned like a loon and waved at him on my way past. He must have thought I was just another fan who recognized him, but for a split second I felt as if I was was catching sight of an old friend I had lost track of. He touched me, and I'll miss him.
CRS
July 28, 2010
My heart goes out to his family. I enjoyed him as an actor. I worked as a dialysis nurse for 10 yrs and when I went through surgeries from 2001-2005 I always designated for my kidneys to go to my unit pts first in case I didn't make it through any of my surgeries, as they became like part of my family! Please give to the kidney foundation!!
Suzanne
July 28, 2010
I loved his work. A life too short.
Richard Magee
July 28, 2010
Dear maury, Thank you for years of entertaining us. Your memorable role in Dancing with Wolves and the many others showcased your many talents. Go With God. Vaya con Dios, mi amigo. ~Rick Magee
July 28, 2010
The greatest Nero Wolfe! (with all due respect to Edward Arnold, Thayer David, William Conrad)
Juanita
July 28, 2010
To the Chaykin family, sorry for the loss of Maury, our thoughts and prayers are with you, may his memories bring you peace. Isaiah 26:19
Alvin Reasby
July 28, 2010
WOW I MUST SAY IT IS A BLESSING HE LIVED TO SEE HIS BIRTHDAY!!! I IS A VERY TALENT ACTOR AND IT IS A SHAME HE NEVER REALLY HAD A BIG STARRING ROLE. HE IS MISSED!!!!
John McCarthy
July 28, 2010
May God be in a generous mood and grant you His boon.
Richard Morgan
July 28, 2010
The greatest actor of the last 30 years. "THE" Nero Wolfe for all time. A classic talent demonstrating, with every role, true genius as an actor.
Condolences to his family for this tragic loss so young.
judith woodbury
July 28, 2010
god rest your soul
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