Character actor Bill Erwin, whose nearly seven-decade Hollywood career included his memorable role as the grumpy old man on television’s Seinfeld, has died. He was 96.

Mr Erwin, also known for his memorable role as Arthur the bellman in the 1980 fantasy film Somewhere in Time, died on December 29 at his suburban Los Angeles home.

His son Mike Erwin said his father died of age-related causes.

Mr Erwin’s career dated to 1941, when he appeared in the film You’re In The Army Now. He had many TV credits but his old man character Sid Fields on Seinfeld, which got him an Emmy nomination in 1993, is perhaps his most memorable role.