Stacy Keach, star of Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer, dies at 85

Veteran American actor Stacy Keach has died at the age of 85 at his home in Poland. His death was announced by his wife, Malgosia Tomassi Keach, who stated that the actor had been battling a serious heart condition and heart failure.

Keach passed away on November 10, 2026, at his residence in Magdalenka, near Warsaw, where he lived with his wife. In a statement, Tomassi Keach highlighted the determination with which her husband faced his health challenges and paid tribute to his role as a husband and father.

Best known for his portrayal of detective Mike Hammer in the television series Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer (1984–1987), Keach was also recognized for his work in films such as Fat City and The New Centurions. His television career included roles in popular series like Prison Break and My One and Only.

The actor was also noted for his theatrical performances, including being considered one of the great interpreters of Shakespeare in the United States. In May 2017, while performing as Ernest Hemingway in Pamplona at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, Keach experienced a significant cardiac alert that interrupted the performance.

Keach’s career spanned television, film, and theatre, with critics describing him as a versatile and underappreciated talent. His death marks the end of a long career that included iconic roles in both dramatic and action-oriented productions.