Stacy Keach, Prison Break and Mike Hammer star, dies aged 85

Prominent American stage and screen actor, Stacy Keach, who portrayed the iconic television private detective Mike Hammer, has passed away at the age of 85. His wife, Malgosia Tomassi Keach, revealed that he died at their home in Magdalenka, Poland, after a prolonged struggle with a severe heart condition. Keach had previously fallen ill during a performance in Chicago in 2017 when he suffered a heart attack.

Born in Savannah, Georgia, to a family of actors, Keach received his education from UC Berkeley, the Yale School of Drama, and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. His illustrious career encompassed both stage and screen, with notable roles such as Hamlet, Richard III, and King Lear, earning him a Tony Award nomination.

On film, Keach's versatility was showcased in films ranging from Cheech and Chong comedies to roles in American History X and The Bourne Legacy. Despite his extensive range, Keach was forever connected to his portrayal of Mike Hammer, a modern-day hero fighting for the underdog. In 1984, his career took an unexpected turn when he was arrested for attempting to smuggle cocaine into Britain, resulting in a nine-month prison sentence.

Keach used this experience to testify before Congress about substance abuse and educate others about the dangers of addiction. He continued to draw inspiration from his time in British prison when playing a warden in the television series Prison Break. Keach was married four times and leaves behind his wife and two children, Shannon and Karolina.