Veteran actor Ron Leibman dies aged 82

Ron Leibman and Jessica Walter attend the opening night of Mary Stuart on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 19, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic)
Ron Leibman and Jessica Walter attend the opening night of Mary Stuart on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 19, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic)

Award-winning actor Ron Leibman has died at the age of 82.

It has been reported by his agent Leibman died from pneumonia.

The veteran star had a varied but decorated sixty year career in film and television, winning an Emmy award in 1979 for the series Kaz, and a Tony award for Tony Kushner's play Angels in America.

But he is perhaps best known by for his role as the overbearing Dr. Leonard Green in sitcom Friends.

The role saw him play a domineering father who hates daughter Rachel’s (Jennifer Aniston) boyfriend Ross (David Schwimmer).

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He has been married to fellow actress Jessica Walter, best known as Arrested Development matriarch Lucille Bluth, since 1983.

A statement from his agent read: "Ron was an incredibly talented actor with a distinguished career in film, TV and theatre. Our thoughts go out to his wife, Jessica (Walter), and his family.”

FRIENDS -- "The One with the Two Parties" Episode 22 -- Air Date 05/02/1996 -- Pictured: (l-r) Ron Leibman as Dr. Leonard Green, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green  (Photo by NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)
FRIENDS -- "The One with the Two Parties" Episode 22 -- Air Date 05/02/1996 -- Pictured: (l-r) Ron Leibman as Dr. Leonard Green, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green (Photo by NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)

Other recent roles include featuring in cult animated spy comedy Archer. He played Ron Cadillac, the husband of Malory Archer, who was voiced by actual wife Walter.

He also had recurring TV roles in iconic shows such as The Sopranos and Murder She Wrote.

His famous movies included Norma Rae and Slaughterhouse-Five.

Norma Rae co-star Sally Field has taken to social media to pay tribute to the actor.

She wrote: "So many of the best memories of my career have Ron Leibman in them. Thank you, Ron. For my being my champion. Rest, my friend.”

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Crime writer Don Winslow wrote "Very sad. Just read this. What a phenomenal actor this guy was. Great in everything.”

Actor and presenter “John Barrowman wrote: Ron Leibman #RIP played my father in an Aaron Spelling tv show called Central Park West. Very funny man and a wicked sense of humor.”

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