Former “The Walking Dead” actor Scott Wilson has died at the age of 76, according to American TV network AMC.
The iconic actor played the character of Hershel Greene—a veterinarian turned farmer—in the zombie apocalypse drama series.
Wilson, whose acting credits date back to ’60s movies “In the Heat of the Night” and “In Cold Blood” and starred in around 30 episodes of “The Walking Dead” from 2011 to 2014.
“Scott will be remembered as a great actor and an even better person,” AMC announced in a tweet.
“The character he embodied on ‘The Walking Dead,’ Hershel, lived at the emotional core of the show. Our hearts go out to his wife, family, friends, and to the millions of fans who loved him.”
Scott will be remembered as a great actor and an even better person. The character he embodied on The Walking Dead, Hershel, lived at the emotional core of the show. Our hearts go out to his wife, family, friends and to the millions of fans who loved him. pic.twitter.com/cTf4dParo7
— The Walking Dead AMC (@WalkingDead_AMC) October 7, 2018
Fans and friends paid tribute to Wilson, who starred in a total of three seasons of “The Walking Dead.”
Kary Payton, who plays the character of Ezekiel in the show, tweeted his condolences.
“The first time I met Scott Wilson, he gave me a big hug and said that this thing I had become a part of … was a family,” Payton wrote.
The first time I met Scott Wilson, he gave me a big hug and said that this thing I had become apart of… was a family. He said I had a responsibility to take care of it. I have tried very hard to do that, sir. & I will continue. I promise. See you on the other side, my friend. pic.twitter.com/EhMm0dQbtx
— Khary Payton (@kharypayton) October 7, 2018
Wilson’s character was killed off in series four of the show. But about an hour before news of his death was made public, showrunner Angela Kang announced that the character of Hershel Greene would be making a cameo appearance in season nine.
Chris Hardwick, host of the after show “Talking Dead” on the AMC network, paid tribute to Wilson on Instagram.
“I am utterly broken hearted to hear about the passing of Scott Wilson this evening. We had just completed the NYCC ‘Walking Dead’ panel on which the crowd erupted in cheers when Angela Kang announced that he’d be appearing on season 9 at some point. A little less than an hour later I got the terrible news,” said Hardwick.
“I really will miss him and the gentle, compassionate eyes that gave Hershel so much soul,” he wrote. “I am so sad to know that the world is without him tonight.”
Actress Yvette Nicole Brown, a frequent “Talking Dead” guest, tweeted her condolences, saying, “He was a wonderful man.”
I am working today so I just heard the news about the passing of #ScottWilson. He was a wonderful man and I am heartbroken. #RIP #Hershel #TWD https://t.co/PPDeQ3qRIE
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) October 7, 2018
Actor Titus Welliver, star of the show “Bosch,” in which Wilson also appeared, tweeted “Scott Wilson has departed. I am heartbroken. We are fewer. Go easy into the light brother.”
Scott Wilson has departed. I am heartbroken. We are fewer. Go easy into the light brother pic.twitter.com/fLiCZigFG5
— TitusWelliver (@welliver_titus) October 7, 2018
Adding to a long list of acting credits, Wilson played a key role in the 1974 production of “The Great Gatsby,” and received a Golden Globe nomination in 1980 in the supporting actor category as Captain Billy Cutshaw in the thriller “The Ninth Configuration,” according to a report by Variety.
Rober Blake and Scott Wilson with Truman Capote on location in Kansas during filming of in “COLD IN BLOOD” You have inspired many actors I remember you for this great movie R.I.P 🇪🇸😔🙏 pic.twitter.com/bu1qhnRQ3D
— Ricardo Martinez (@brunito690) October 7, 2018
Wilson is survived by his wife. No memorial plans have been announced, Variety reported.
We are deeply saddened to report that Scott Wilson, the incredible actor who played Hershel on #TheWalkingDead, has passed away at the age of 76. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in paradise, Scott. We love you! pic.twitter.com/guNI7zSqDZ
— The Walking Dead (@TheWalkingDead) October 7, 2018
