Scott Wilson, best known to modern audiences as Hershel from 'The Walking Dead', has passed away at the age of 76.
The actor, who starred in the acclaimed horror drama series from 2011 to 2014, had only just been announced as returning to the series for its ninth season via flashbacks before he passed away. It's understood that Wilson had completed filming on his scenes for the ninth season before his passing.
Cast members from 'The Walking Dead' led condolences to the actor, including Khary Payton, who plays King Ezekiel on the show.
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 career began in 1967 with 'In The Heat Of The Night', where he played Harvey Oberst, and followed that same year with 'In Cold Blood', based on Truman Capote's book. Throughout the years, Wilson had supporting roles in the likes of 'The Right Stuff', 'The Great Gatsby' with Robert Redford, Christopher McQuarrie's 'The Way Of The Gun', 'Dead Man Walking' with Sean Penn and Susan Sarandon, and Ed Zwick's 'The Last Samurai' alongside Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe.
More recently, Wilson had recurring roles on television in the likes of 'CSI', 'The OA' and of course, 'The Walking Dead'. Wilson is survived by his wife of 41 years, Heavenly Wilson.
