“Seinfeld” and “Malcolm in the Middle” Actor Daniel von Bargen Dies at Age 64

Character actor Daniel von Bargen, who is perhaps most famous for his role as Mr. Kruger on the final season of "Seinfeld," has died at the age of 64, E! News confirms.

"We are learning of this event at the same time as the rest of the industry and are deeply saddened to hear of Daniel's loss. Although we represented Daniel to the Voice Over Industry for many years, for the past five years he had been grappling with health issues that precluded his active pursuit of work in this area," Chas Cowing, co-owner of Access Talent, which represented von Bargen, tells E! News. "We remember him fondly for his easy-going professionalism and dry wit, both of which stood in stark contrast to the driven and near-maniacal roles he often performed with such energy and intensity. He was a joy to work with and we have missed that association since his semi-retirement to Cincinnati.

He added: "May he rest in peace."

A local report from Cincinnati TV station WLWT says that the actor died over the weekend after a lengthy illness. No further information has been released as to the cause of the actor's death.

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Von Bargen, who is also known for his role as Commandant Edwin Spangler on the series "Malcolm in the Middle," made headlines for his personal life back in February 2012 when he shot himself in the temple in an apparent suicide attempt. Upon calling 911, the actor, who was diabetic, said he fired the gunshot after learning he needed to undergo a medical procedure that would require doctors to amputate several of his toes.

Von Bargen's notable film credits include "Silence of the Lambs," "Basic Instinct," "Rising Sun," "Six Degrees of Separation," "Philadelphia," "Crimson Tide" and "O Brother Where Art Thou?" He was also a prominent stage actor, having a long residency at the Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, R.I., after graduating with a degree in drama from Purdue University.

Additionally, the actor appeared in the premiere of Larry Gelbart's "Mastergate" before later making his Broadway debut when the play went to New York.

"I feel a huge wave of sorrow and relief at the passing of this remarkable man, Dan Von Bargen," his close friend, Bob Colonna, said. "I treasure the years when I worked with him at Trinity Rep and in a couple of TV films. I admire his excellent body of work in the movies. And I mourn for the darkness and pain that were his final years. God bless him. He was a hell of a guy."

--Additional reporting by Ruth O'Neill

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