The character actor died at his home in Playa Del Rey, California after a battle with a rare pituitary gland disorder, his manager confirmed to Entertainment Weekly.

A family statement posted on Facebook.com, reads, "It's with deep sympathy that I'm writing this post. Early this morning my family was informed that our beloved uncle, brother, teammate and friend Irwin Keyes has had his last curtain call... Our family wishes to thank all of you who have been a part of his life. He will be missed very much."

His manager Phil Brock adds, "People would look at him and be instantly afraid of him and then they would meet him talk to him and instantly love him. He would play villains, but he had the kindest heart of all."

Keyes was best known for his role as Hugo, the bodyguard of George Jefferson, in the hit 1970s TV sitcom.

He also had roles in a number of movies including George Clooney's 2003 film Intolerable Cruelty and horror film House of 1000 Corpses, while he was also considered for the famous role of Freddie Kreuger in A Nightmare on Elm Street in 1984.

Keyes is survived by his wife Tracy Fontaine.