Veteran character actor Fred Ward, best known for his diverse roles in “Tremors,” “The Right Stuff” and Robert Altman’s “Short Cuts,” has died. He was 79 years old.
A representative for the “Exit Speed” star confirmed to The Post that he passed away last weekend.
“I am sad to announce the passing of acclaimed actor Fred Ward, who passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2022, at the age of 79,” the statement read.
“Golden Globe winner, actor and producer known for “The Right Stuff,” “Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins,” “Tremors,” “Miami Blues,” “Henry & June,” “The Player” and “Short” are cut.'”
Ward’s representative Ron Hoffman told The Post that his cause of death would not be revealed at this time — but he did share his final wishes:
“It was Fred Ward’s wish that any memorial tribute be made as a donation to the Boston University Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center. For more information please visit https://bit.ly/BUSMCTE or contact 617-358-9535 “
Ward spent the last years of his life developing his second favorite art form – painting, his representative said.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Marie-France Ward, and their son, Jongo Ward.
The news of his death was broadcast on Friday Twitter with Rolling Stone editor Alan Sepinwall Ward’s beloved cult status is calling out.
“RIP, Fred Ward, a great character actor whose big shot at the leading man position, Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins, unfortunately flopped, but who continued to deliver brilliant, live performances for the rest of his career,” they wrote.
Film critic Robert Daniels also condoled, To write: “Fred Ward was absurdly good. He’s a professional at everything from Tremors to Player. He can even turn in a great performance that’s as clearly dumb as Joey Dirt. Totally underrated Went. “
Ward began his career as his jailbroken friend in 1979’s “Escape from Alcatraz” with Clint Eastwood. Prior to her breakout role, the San Diego native performed in cabarets in Europe and North Africa, Turner Classic Movies reported, before making her way to Los Angeles, where she supported herself by selling jewelry on the street.
Following the success of his “Alcatraz”, he starred in “Southern Comfort” (1981), “Timerider: The Adventures of Lyle Swan” (1982) and “Uncommon Valor” (1983).
After working in television in the 80s and 90s, she landed a role in “Tremors” with Kevin Bacon and starred in its sequel, “Tremors II: Aftershocks”. He also starred in fan favorites like “Exit Speed,” “Joe Dirt” and “Sweet Home Alabama.”
Ward also starred in “Miami Blues” (1990) with co-stars Alec Baldwin and Jennifer Jason Leigh, and played Jennifer Lopez’s long-lost father in 2002’s “Enough.”
His latest buzzy role was in episode two of the hit HBO series “True Detective.”