- Actor Scott Wilson has died at 76.
- Wilson was known for playing fan-favorite father Hershel on AMC’s “The Walking Dead” and for his role in “In Cold Blood.”
- The official comic-book social media account for “TWD” confirmed Wilson’s death.
- According to TMZ, the actor died due to complications from leukemia.
- “Scott will always be remembered as a great actor and we all feel fortunate to have known him as an even better person,” AMC said in a statement to INSIDER.
“The Walking Dead” actor Scott Wilson has died at the age of 76.
The official social media account for the comic confirmed the news Saturday evening.
“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,” the statement read. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in paradise, Scott. We love you!”
TMZ reports Wilson died due to complications from leukemia.
"Scott will always be remembered as a great actor and we all feel fortunate to have known him as an even better person," AMC said in a statement to INSIDER. "The character he embodied on 'The Walking Dead,' Hershel, lived at the emotional core of the show. Like Scott in our lives, Hershel was a character whose actions continue to inform our characters' choices to this day. Our hearts go out to his wife, family, friends and to the millions of fans who loved him. Scott will be missed."
About an hour earlier, "The Walking Dead" showrunner Angela Kang announced Wilson along with two other former cast members will return to the series for its ninth season.
Wilson's character, Hershel Green, was killed off the show on its fourth season in one of the series' most shocking moments. Green was a father figure to the survivors and source of wisdom for Rick as he navigated how to lead the group.
Cast mates, friends, and fans started sharing fond memories they have with the actor.
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
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
Rest easy my friend...... rest easy.
— Michael Cudlitz (@Cudlitz) October 7, 2018
I am devastated beyond comprehension. Scott Wilson has been the patriarch of our family. Upholding him in my heart. Always. 💔❤ #TWD pic.twitter.com/LFj0l76iky
— Sarah J. Crist (@ubiquitousurn) October 7, 2018
Goodbye Scott Wilson you absolute legend x
— Tom Payne (@justanactor) October 7, 2018
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
Scott Wilson is gone. What a kind, generous man. Rest in peace, dear man. You left quite a mark so many people.#TWDFamily pic.twitter.com/lPpanT8Ofd
— Steve Coulter (@coulter28) October 7, 2018
Many fans learned the news of Wilson's death as they were leaving the show's Comic Con panel Sunday night. AMC had just surprised the crowd by showing the season nine premiere.
I just finished #TheWalkingDead panel at #NYCC2018 and now I get hit with Scott Wilson (Hershel) passes away. This is horrible.
— spacesparkrules (@spacesparkrule) October 7, 2018
After finally making The Walking Dead panel at NYCC I find out that Scott Wilson, aka Hershel has passed away 😢
— Mark (@BlazinPinoy) October 7, 2018
Best panel as usual. Great first episode. Sad to hear about Scott Wilson once I got home. #TWD #NYCC pic.twitter.com/ZfzI5r3V7Q
— boushh2187 (@boushh2187) October 7, 2018
OMG I just left the panel @NYCC #NYCC and they were talking about his cameo this season. RIP Scott Wilson. #TWD
— Crystal (@CrystalTweets19) October 7, 2018
The first full half of season nine completed filming. Executive producer Greg Nicotero recently told INSIDER he was working on the second half of season nine.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Wilson completed filming his scenes for the new season.
Wilson also recently appeared on Netflix's sci-fi series, "The OA." A second season of the show started production in January.
"The Walking Dead" will return to AMC Sunday at 9 p.m.