On Friday the publicist of Fred Ward announced that the renowned actor had passed away this previous Sunday, May 8th. He was survived by his wife and son. No specific details regarding the place or cause of death were given.

He started out acting in small roles on television back in the 70’s before he finally got his break into the world of making movies with Southern Comfort in 1981.

Ward was an actor who chose roles based on pure interest, meaning he never got stuck in a label as a creator. He fought sci-fi creatures in Tremors and an inmate in Escape From Alcatraz, but also portrayed the infamous writer Henry Miller in Henry & June and then a father in Sweet Home Alabama. His range and diverse roles were one of the staple details the actor was best known for.

But the film that garnered him the most mainstream success was Short Cuts. The film was directed by Robert Altman and won two Golden Globes in 1994 for Best Screenplay of a Motion Picture and Best Ensemble Cast.

Ward’s Tremors co-star Kevin Bacon took to Twitter to express his sadness on the passing of the actor that will be missed.

So sad to hear about Fred Ward. When it came to battling underground worms I couldn’t have asked for a better partner. I will always remember chatting about his love of Django Reinhardt and jazz guitar during our long hot days in the high desert. Rest In Peace Fred. pic.twitter.com/WLOB0iVwkd

— Kevin Bacon (@kevinbacon) May 13, 2022