Actor from ‘Catch-22,’ ‘Little Murders,’ ‘Oz’ Passes Away at 80
Jon Korkes, a distinguished character actor and beloved acting instructor, has passed away at the age of 80. He died peacefully in his New York apartment on New Year’s Eve. The news was confirmed by his cousin, Nancy Drinkwater.
Notable Roles in Film and Television
Korkes had a prolific career across film and television, showcasing his talent in various genres. He is perhaps best known for his role as the young turret gunner, Snowden, in the iconic film Catch-22 (1970). His performance alongside director Alan Arkin deeply resonated with audiences.
In addition to Catch-22, he starred in several noteworthy films throughout the 1970s:
- The Day of the Dolphin (1973) – played an undercover antagonist
- The Front Page (1974) – portrayed a reporter
- Cinderella Liberty (1973) and Two-Minute Warning (1976) – featured in significant roles
On television, Korkes left his mark with appearances on esteemed shows such as All in the Family and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. He also recurred as corrections officer Tom Robinson in HBO’s Oz for six episodes during the series’ final three seasons (2001-2003).
Stage Contributions
Korkes began his stage career in New York, notably being cast in Jules Feiffer’s off-Broadway production of Little Murders in 1968. Directed by Arkin, he played the character of Kenny Newquist and reprised this role in the 1971 film adaptation. This dark comedy, co-starring Fred Willard, explored themes of urban decay.
His stage credits also include:
- The Penny Wars (1969) on Broadway
- Unlikely Heroes (1971) – a one-act play
A Legacy as a Teacher
Korkes dedicated part of his life to teaching the craft of acting. From 2008 until November, he taught at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in Manhattan. His teaching style combined his extensive experience in film and theater, and he was known for connecting with students personally.
A heartfelt statement from the studio remarked, “He loved teaching, and his students knew it.” Korkes often reflected on the mentorship he received, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community that nurtured his talent.
Early Life
Born on December 4, 1945, in Lynn, Massachusetts, Jonathan David Korkes was raised in Marblehead. He graduated from Marblehead High School before embarking on his career in acting. His first major film appearance came in The Out-of-Towners (1970), directed by Arthur Hiller.
Korkes’ impressive filmography also includes titles like:
- The Outside Man (1972)
- Between the Lines (1977)
- Jaws of Satan (1981)
- Getting Away With Murder (1996)
- Riding in Cars With Boys (2001)
- The Double (2013)
Jon Korkes’ contributions to film, television, and education left a lasting impact in the industry, making him a cherished figure among colleagues and students alike.
