Los Angeles (Showbiz Desk) Renowned American actor Stacy Keach, who gained popularity for playing a detective in the television series Mike Hammer, has died at the age of 85.
According to international media reports, the actor's wife, Malgosia Tomassi Keach, said that Stacy Keach passed away at his residence in Poland due to a serious heart condition and cardiac arrest.
Stacy Keach was regarded as one of America's distinguished stage actors. He achieved international fame for his portrayal of a detective in the popular television series Mike Hammer. He showcased his acting skills in theatre, films and television for several decades and also earned recognition for his performances in Shakespeare's classical plays.
In 1984, he was arrested at London's Heathrow Airport on charges of attempting to smuggle cocaine. Cocaine concealed inside a shaving foam can was found in his luggage. He was sentenced to nine months in prison in the case but was released after serving approximately six months.
The incident severely affected his acting career, but he later returned to the profession.
In 1988, he received a Golden Globe Award for portraying renowned American writer Ernest Hemingway in the television miniseries Hemingway. He was also nominated for an Emmy Award for the same role. To prepare for the character, he gained approximately 16 kilograms in weight.
Stacy Keach's last notable role was in George Clooney's film Jay Kelly, in which he appeared as Clooney's short-tempered father.