Stacy Keach, actor known for Mike Hammer, dies aged 85

American actor Stacy Keach died on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, aged 85. According to press reports, he died at his home in Magdalenka near Warsaw after a long illness affecting his heart.

Career on screen and stage

Keach was born on 2 June 1941 in Savannah, Georgia. He became best known for playing a private detective in the series Mike Hammer, based on the novels by Mickey Spillane. He also appeared in the films Nebraska and Brawler. The Associated Press described him as one of the most accomplished American stage actors of his generation. On stage he played Hamlet, Richard III and King Lear, and in films directed by John Huston he appeared in Fat City. In 2019 he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Ties to Poland

Keach had held Polish citizenship since 2015. His wife, the actress Małgorzata Tomassi, was a co-star he met on the set of Mike Hammer. He spent his final years near Warsaw. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Imprisonment and recovery

In 1984 the actor spent nine months in prison for cocaine smuggling. After his release he spoke openly about his addiction. He met students and people in addiction treatment, and he gave testimony before the US Congress. Despite these difficulties, he continued to work in film and television.