Oscar-nominated actor Joe Mantell of ‘Marty,’ ‘Chinatown’ dies at 94 in California

Actor Mantell of ‘Marty,’ ‘Chinatown’ dies at 94

NEW YORK — Oscar-nominated actor Joe Mantell, who co-starred in “Marty” and delivered one of movies’ most famous lines in “Chinatown,” has died, his family said. He was 94.

Mantell died Wednesday at the Providence Tarzana Medical Center in Tarzana, Calif., according to a statement from his son, Dr. Robert Mantell. The statement said the death followed a long illness, but it did not elaborate.

Mantell was a character actor with more than 70 film and TV credits who received an Academy Award nomination in 1956 for his performance as Angie, the best friend of Ernest Borgnine in “Marty.” His oft-repeated line to his sad-sack friend — “Well, what do you feel like doin’ tonight?” — was one of the beloved film’s most memorable lines.

He again became a part of movie lore in 1974’s “Chinatown,” in which he played the partner of Jack Nicholson’s detective character, Jack Gittes. Mantell spoke the film’s famous last line: “Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown.”

Mantell’s other notable credits include “The Birds,” ”Nervous Man in a Four Dollar Room” and several episodes of “The Twilight Zone.”

Mantell, who had lived in Encino, Calif., since 1961, is survived by his wife Mary, daughters Jeannie and Cathy, son Robert, daughter-in-law Glei and two grandchildren. A private funeral service is planned for Sunday.