Seinfeld actor Peter Crombie has passed away following a short battle with illness at the age of 71. The American actor was widely recognized for his role as “Crazy” Joe Davola in the fourth season of the popular US sitcom, which aired from 1989 to 1998.

The news of his passing was confirmed by his ex-wife Nadine Kijner, who expressed the “shock and profound sadness” over Crombie’s demise in a statement shared on Instagram on Wednesday (10 January). Alongside photos from their wedding party, Kijner stated, “It is with shock and extreme sorrow that I share my ex passed away earlier today. Thank you for so many wonderful memories and for being a good man. Many people loved you because you were a kind, giving, caring, and creative soul.”

While Kijner informed TMZ that Crombie succumbed to a brief illness, the exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed. She added, “He was the most considerate, caring, giving, and courteous man. He was loved by everyone, generous, and had nothing bad to say about anyone.”

Crombie joined the Seinfeld cast in 1992, portraying “Crazy” Joe Davola, a character who spent five episodes menacing and tormenting the show’s lead, Jerry Seinfeld. Additionally, Crombie’s character had a romantic storyline with Jerry’s friend Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) during season four.

Comedian Lewis Black and filmmaker Jay Russell paid heartfelt tributes to Crombie through sincere messages shared on X, the online entertainment platform formerly known as Twitter. Black’s post read, “I am devastated by the passing of my dear friend Peter Crombie. He was a talented artist— not only a brilliant actor but also a hugely skilled writer. More importantly, he was as sweet as he was wise, and I’m a better person for knowing him.” Russell, who cast Crombie in his 2000 film “My Dog Skip,” expressed, “Rest in peace to my friend Peter Crombie, who was a wonderful, caring, kind man and a spectacular actor. Peter lent me his incredible talent, playing the ‘villain’ in ‘My Dog Skip’ and did an excellent job of frightening dog lovers around the world. I hope he finds peace now. Blissful trails, maestro.”

Born on June 26, 1952, Crombie’s other film and television credits include “The Outsiders,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “The Doors,” “Natural Born Killers,” “Law and Order,” and “Broken Promises.”