House of 1000 Corpses actor Irwin Keyes passes away aged 63

Keyes, who is best known for his roles in “The Jeffersons” and “The Flinstones in Viva Rock Vegas“, died last Wednesday at his home in Playa Del Rey, Calif, Entertainment Weekly reported.

Keyes had suffered from acromegaly, a pituitary gland disorder which causes the abnormal growth of the hands, feet and face, and had been in treatment for the disorder in the months before his death. His most prominent TV role was as Hugo Mojelewski, the bodyguard of George Jefferson in The Jeffersons. He was assassin Wheezy Joe in the Coen brothers movie Intolerable Cruelty and most recently appeared in the 2013 digital series Dead Kansas.

The star made his debut on the big screen in 1979, starring as a policeman in The Warriors.

Keyes was introduced to acting when he attended the State University of New York at New Paltz.

Keyes is survived by his wife Tracy Fontaine, and was remembered as a “beloved uncle, brother, teammate and friend” on Facebook.

Keyes appeared in a number of horror films, including “House of 1000 Corpses” and the 2009 film “Dahmer vs Gacy“. “He would play villains, but he had the kindest heart of all”.

Despite his illness, Irwin continued to act, racking up credits in Pretty Little Liars in 2013.

A prolific actor who worked for nearly 40 years in both television and film, Keyes’ performances were often defined by his bulky frame and intimidating mien.