In the foreword for the Second City book, Arkin revealed that he was reluctant to head to Chicago. He says that his first paying job as an actor was in St. Louis, where he ran into a fellow who was starting up the Second City theater troupe in Chicago, and said that if Arkin were ever to come to Chicago, he would hire him. Arkin halfheartedly agreed, thinking that it was just a joke, and headed back to New York for another year as a struggling actor. Arkin called the man and asked if a position was still open. The man confirmed it and Arkin headed to Chicago, thinking that his life was over. But when he joined Second City, he said that he realized he was with a group of people who fostered the kind of acting that he was involved in, and protected him from the fear of the world.

Biography in: "Who's Who in Comedy" by Ronald L. Smith. pg. 24-25. New York: Facts on File, 1992. ISBN 0816023387.

Grandfather of son Adam Arkin's daughter Molly.

Two of his movies, Popi (1969) and Freebie and the Bean (1974), were later adapted into television series starring Hector Elizondo in the roles Arkin brought to the screen. Elizondo also co-starred in the television series "Chicago Hope" (1994) with Arkin's son, Adam Arkin.

Father-in-law of Phyllis Lyons.

Wrote "The Lemming Condition," "Cassie Loves Beethoven" and "One Present for Flekman's."

Father-in-law of Amelia Campbell.

Was cast in the title role of Inspector Clouseau (1968) after Peter Sellers declined to reprise the role a third time. It was the last Clouseau film until Sellers returned to the role in The Return of the Pink Panther (1975).

Lives in New Mexico with current wife Suzie Arkin.

He is also a teacher, leading workshops in improvisation. Students find him warm, insightful, and very, very funny.

Won Broadway's 1963 Tony Award as Best Supporting or Featured Actor (Dramatic) for "Enter Laughing." In 1973, he was nominated as Best Director (Dramatic) for "The Sunshine Boys."

Father of Adam Arkin, Matthew Arkin and Anthony Arkin.

Although he usually plays quirky, fatherly types these days, back in the '60s and '70s he was known as an edgy, intense actor. His darkest role is almost certainly Harry Roat in Wait Until Dark (1967), who was a vicious but intelligent psychopath who terrifies a seemingly defenseless blind woman (played by Audrey Hepburn).

Founding member, Second City improv troupe.

Disliked filming the scene in Wait Until Dark (1967) where his character Harry Roat Jr terrorizes Suzy Hendrix played by Audrey Hepburn.

A founding member of the folk group The Tarriers, he co-wrote the song "The Banana Boat Song" (also known as "Day-o"), which later became a mega-hit for Harry Belafonte.

He was originally slated to play Saul Bloom in Steven Soderbergh's remake of Ocean's Eleven (2001); after dropping out of the production, he was replaced by Carl Reiner.