Stacy Keach dead: Mike Hammer and Bourne Legacy star dies after 'difficult battle'

Stacy Keach dead: Mike Hammer and Bourne Legacy star dies after 'difficult battle' Renowned actor Stacy Keach, who was best known for his main role in Mike Hammer, has died at the age of 85, his devastated wife has confirmed Actor Stacy Keach has died at the age of 85, his devastated family has confirmed. The star, best known for his roles in Bourne Legacy and Mike Hammer died at his home in Magdalenka, Poland. His family released a statement saying the star died after "a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure". His wife, Malgosia Keach, said: "Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life. "Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family." The statement obtained by PEOPLE, concluded: "His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever." Stacy had an impressive CV spanning back to the 70s. He starred in Ridley Scott's directorial debut, The Duellists, as was as Cheech and Chong's film debut in 1978, Up In Smoke. Other big screen features included The Bourne Legacy and Nebraska. On the small screen, he starred on hit CBS series Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer from 1984 to 1987, earning a Golden Globe nomination for his work. He later reprised the role in Mike Hammer: Private Eye, from 1997 to 1998 and a number of TV movies based on the character. Other roles also features Blue Bloods, Prison Break, The Blacklist and Man with a Plan, while he also had a voice actor part on The Simpsons. Away from the screen, Stacy had become regarded as one of the best American Shakespearean actors of his era. Following the sad news, fans online also paid tribute. One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, said: "Rest in peace, Stacy Keach. A legend with a voice you never forget. "Mike Hammer. Sergeant Stedenko in Up in Smoke. Warden Henry Pope in Prison Break. The voice of American Greed. But my favorite will always be Ken Titus, Christopher’s dad on Titus. His timing, his delivery, his ability to make a horrible parenting lesson hilarious. He owned every scene...Thank you for the laughs and the memories. Rest easy, legend." Another added: "Some actors become famous for a role. The truly remarkable ones build a career that goes far beyond it. Stacy Keach, who has died at 85, will be remembered by many as Mike Hammer, the tough private investigator who became a familiar face on television in the 1980s. "But there was so much more to his career. He was an acclaimed Shakespearean performer, earned a Tony nomination on Broadway and won a Golden Globe for portraying Ernest Hemingway. It's a reminder that the characters audiences remember most are sometimes only a small part of what an actor has given to the world. Keach leaves behind a body of work that deserves to be remembered beyond one famous role." Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.