Cliff Robertson passes away at age 88

Cliff Robertson (born Clifford Parker "Cliff" Robertson, III), an American actor, writer, director and produce, died in New York Saturday, a day after his 88th birthday, from natural causes.

Cliff Robertson in an interview for Emmy TV Legends | Video courtesy of "TVLegends"

Cliff Robertson's film and television career spanned for half of a century. He won the Best Actor award at the 1968 Academy Awards for his role as mentally disabled man in the movie "Charly." Robertson was personally chosen by President John F. Kennedy to portray the character of then-Lt. Kennedy in the biographical film "PT 109." His most recent film role was "Uncle Ben Parker" in the Spider-Man film series.

Robertson also received an Emmy for his leading role in an 1965 episode from Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre entitled "The Game".

In addition to his Oscar and Emmy and several lifetime achievement awards from various film festivals, Robertson was also given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6801 Hollywood Blvd. He was also awarded the 2008 Ambassador of Good Will Aviation Award by the National Transportation Safety Board Bar Association in Alexandria, Virginia, on May 18, 2008, for his leadership in and promotion of general aviation.

Robertson was married and divorced twice. He was first married in 1957 to Cynthia Stone whom she had a daughter named Stephanie. The couple divorced in 1960.

In 1966, he had her second marriage with American actress Dina Merrill and had one daughter, Heather, before splitting in 1989.

Cliff Robertson’s funeral is scheduled on Friday in East Hampton.