Wilford Brimley, known for his roles in the likes of The Thing and Cocoon, has died at the age of 85, it has been confirmed.
The actor passed away at his home in Utah on Saturday after a stay in intensive care in hospital.
He had been suffering with a kidney condition for a number of months.
The star’s manager Lynda Bensky confirmed the news to Entertainment Tonight with a heartfelt statement.
She said: “Wilford Brimley was a man you could trust. He said what he meant and he meant what he said.
“He had a gruff exterior and a tender heart. I’m sad that I will no longer get to hear my friend’s wonderful stories.
Wilford Brimely is known for roles in moves such as Cocoon and The Thing (Image: Getty Images)
“He was one of a kind.”
Famous faces have already been paying tribute, with actress Betty Buckley tweeting: “So sad to read this. I loved Wilford Brimley. It was a gift to get to work with him in the film Tender Mercies. Great actor! RIP Wilford.”
And talk show host Stephen Colbert said: “RIP Wilford Brimley – so many great performances, but I’ll never forget seeing him sing the surprisingly tender It’s Not Easy Being Green.”
Wilford leaves behind his wife and four children from his first marriage (Image: Getty Images)
Wilford had a long career, starting acting in the 1960s while his most recent credit was in Timber the Treasure Dog as Hawk Jones.
He played Benjamin “Ben” Luckett in 1985 flick Cocoon and its 1988 follow-up Cocoon: The Return.
Wilford appeared as Dr Blair in 1982 movie The Thing.
Back in 2009 he acted alongside Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant in Did You Hear About the Morgans? as Earl Granger.
He was also involved in music and sang with the Cal State Northridge Jazz Band in 1993, and was also a talented harmonica player.
Wilford leaves behind his second wife Beverly Berry, who he married in 2007.
He also has four children – James Charles, John Michael, William Carmen, and Lawrence Dean – with his first wife Lynne Bagley, who died in June 2000.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
