Larry Neumann Jr., a gruff, gritty Chicago actor widely regarded as quintessential, died Wednesday at the age of 62. His death was announced by his former wife of 18 years, Sandy Borglum.

The stage actor, and former managing director of the Famous Door Theatre Company, collapsed and died at his South Shore home, most likely from complications due to Type 1 diabetes.

On Twitter, many of his former friends and co-stars shared their condolences.

“Larry was the hardest working man I ever knew,” Borglum said in an interview. “He was lucky in that he always was able to live his life on his own terms.”

Larry starred in a plethora of big-screen movies and television shows, including the movies Stranger Than Fiction, Just Visiting, and The Untouchables.

One of his final on-screen roles was a brief turn in “Power Book IV: Force” as the guy who sells Tommy the old firehouse he moved into.

Larry was like a father figure to many young Chicago actors, and often referred to himself as “Uncle Lar.” He was often seen at post-show bar gatherings, always sharing his many memories of his life on stage.