Oscar-Winning Actor Cliff Robertson Passes Away

Cliff Robertson as Uncle Ben Parker in Spider-Man (2002)Long time actor Cliff Robertson, 88, passed away of natural causes on Saturday, September 10 just a day after his 88th birthday.  His secretary of 53 years, Evelyn Christel, said he died at Stonybrook University Medical Center in Long Island, NY.

The actor won an Academy Award for his performance as a mentally disabled man in the movie Charly (1968), though his big break came when he was picked by late President John F. Kennedy to play a young JFK in the WWII made for TV movie PT 109 (1963).

Robertson was recently known for his later roles as Uncle Ben Parker in the three Sam Raimi directed Spider-Man films, and he managed to remain a popular actor over his entire career in both television and film.

"My father was a loving father, devoted friend, dedicated professional and honorable man," his daughter Stephanie Saunders said in a statment.  

"He stood by his family, friends, and colleagues through good times and bad.  He made a difference in all our lives and made our world a better place.  We will all miss him terribly."

Robertson's funeral is scheduled for Friday, September 16th in East Hampton.

R.I.P Cliff Robertson (1923-2011)