Ben Gazzara dead at 81

Photo credit: AP | In this file photo, actor Ben Gazzara attends The National Board of Review of Motion Pictures awards gala in New York. Gazzara, whose powerful dramatic performances brought an intensity to a variety of roles and made him a memorable presence in films, on television and on Broadway in the original "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," has died at age 81. Longtime family friend Suzanne Mados said Gazzara died Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, in Manhattan after being in hospice care with cancer. (Jan. 11, 2011) Galleries In this 1968 file photo originally released by Ben Gazzara dead at 81 In this file photo the former host of Recent notable deaths James Arness, 88 Actor The quot;Gunsmokequot; star died Notable deaths of 2011

Ben Gazzara, method actor known for intense film, Broadway, TV performances, dies in NY at 81
In this file photo, actor Ben Gazzara attends



Ben Gazzara, whose powerful dramatic performances brought an intensity to a variety of roles and made him a memorable presence in such iconic productions over the decades as the original "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" on Broadway and the film "The Big Lebowski," has died at age 81.

Longtime family friend Suzanne Mados said Gazzara died Friday in Manhattan. Mados, who owned the Wyndham Hotel, where...