Wednesday The Goldbergs Say a moving goodbye to OG cast member George Segal, who died of complications from bypass surgery on March 23.
While Segal’s final episode was relatively quiet for his character Albert “Pops” Solomon, the half hour ended with the following heartfelt tribute.
On Twitter, From Segal Goldbergs daughter, Wendi McLendon-Covey, indicated that Pops’s absence will be addressed onscreen next fall, assuming the sitcom gets a refresh. “We would NEVER replace George in the role of Pops. If we get a season 9, we’ll tackle it then, ”wrote McLendon-Covey.
Series creator Adam F. Goldberg (who no longer serves as showrunner) added: “Fans are asking what’s planned for Pops. While my input and stories have not been used this season, I know the way to address this loss is to use my real experience of losing my grandpa to honor George and my Pops. I hope I am welcome S9! “
After Segal’s death at the age of 87, Goldbergs tweeted, “Today we lost a legend. It was a real honor to be a small part of George Segal’s amazing legacy. By pure fate, I ended up casting the perfect person to play Pops. Like my grandfather, George was a kid at heart with a magical spark. “
Segal was also known for starring on NBC’s Just shoot me, where he played magazine owner and publisher Jack Gallo for seven seasons. Segal scored an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in 1966 Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?