Danny Goldman death: Tributes pour in for ‘true gem’ Smurfs actor

Actor and casting director was best known for his roles in The Smurfs and Mel Brooks’ comedy classic Young Frankenstein

Tributes have poured in for the actor and voiceover artist Danny Goldman, after his death at the age of 80.

Goldman was best known for voicing the character of Brainy Smurf in the 1980s animated series The Smurfs, and within the industry for his work as a casting director.

He passed away on Sunday surrounded by loved ones, after suffering two strokes on New Year’s Eve.

On Twitter, actor Seth Green said: “Danny Goldman was a true gem. Incredibly talented, sweet and supportive. Dedicated, creative and kind. I’ll always be grateful to him.”

Other tributes called attention to Goldman’s stellar career as a casting director.

“Danny was a character actor, voice actor, and HUGE commercial casting director. So long, Danny. You were one of the good ones,” said one Twitter user.

“I worked a lot for him thru the years. Danny always made us all feel special” said another.

Alongside his work on The Smurfs, Goldman also has a revered place in cinema history for his scene-stealing role at the beginning of Young Frankenstein, playing a young medical student who badgers Gene Wilder‘s character. He also featured in Robert Altman’s seminal war drama M*A*S*H.