Charles Cioffi, a Hollywood veteran with an arresting screen presence, has died at age 90. Throughout his career, which spanned multiple generations of American cinema, television, and Broadway theatre, Charles Cioffi worked steadily as both a character actor and dramatic lead.
His wife Anne released a statement confirming that Charlie passed away at their home in Marina del Rey on Monday, May 22, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. According to Variety, Cioffi died of natural causes.
Charles will likely be remembered by nostalgic cinema buffs for his portrayal of Lt. Vic Androzzi in the revolutionary blaxploitation classic Shaft. Released in 1971, Shaft defined the urban crime thriller and became one of Hollywood’s greatest exports. Cioffi also starred in the Oscar-winning thriller Klute opposite Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland.
One of Charles Cioffi’s longest running career highlights was his work on television. Memorable roles can be found on X-Files, Law & Order, Wonder Woman, and Little House on the Prairie. Famously typecast as authoritative, Charlie often played detectives and no-nonsense characters on TV throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
Born October 31, 1935 in NYC, Charles Cioffi began his career in the theatre. Early roles can be seen in the Broadway productions of King Lear and Chinese Coffee. Before his death at age 90, Charles worked in films and TV shows spanning nearly eight decades.
Fans have since taken to Twitter and other social media to express their condolences and share their favorite Charles Cioffi movie moments. “RIP Charles Cioffi, who will always be Lieutenant Androzzi in Shaft to me. What a badass movie that was,” wrote one user. “So sad to hear about Charlie Cioffi passing. What a great time in movies he was part of.”
Charles Cioffi will be missed by fans and Hollywood historians alike. Though he was only with us for nine decades, Charlie paved the way for character actors to come and will be remembered for his work in cinema and on stage for generations to come.
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