Scott Wilson, beloved for his role as Hershel Greene on AMC’s The Walking Dead, passed away at 76, and The Walking Dead family is turning to Twitter to honor the actor.
Scott Wilson, whose death at 76 was just announced by AMC, is being honored this weekend by the cast and crew of The Walking Dead. From his role in legendary films such as In the Heat of the Night and In Cold Blood to his portrayal of a veterinarian who became a farmer in The Walking Dead, Wilson touched the lives of fans as well as his family and friends.
The AMC network noted that the character portrayed by Wilson “lived at the emotional core” of The Walking Dead, reported CNN.
“Like Scott in our lives, Hershel was a character whose actions continue to inform our characters’ choices to this day,” added AMC. “Our hearts go out to his wife, family, friends and to the millions of fans who loved him.”
The Walking Dead cast and writers honor Scott Wilson on Twitter
Turning to Twitter, members of the cast and writers paid tribute to Wilson.
All I can say now is that Scott Wilson profoundly impacted my life. I was honored and lucky enough to work with him on #TheWalkingDead & #Damien. He was a great friend, one I loved very much.
— Glen Mazzara (@glenmazzara) October 7, 2018
Heartbroken hearing the news about my friend Scott Wilson . A great man and true friend. Aa well as a fabulous actor. RIP buddy.
— David Morrissey (@davemorrissey64) October 7, 2018
One of The Walking Dead actors, Khary Payton, recalled his own experience with Wilson. Payton signed onto the show in the role as Ezekiel following Wilson’s departure from the cast.
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
Payton recalled how during his first encounter with him, Wilson embraced him and described The Walking Dead as a family. Khary promised to continue his responsibility to care for the show as Wilson had asked him before his death.
And executive producer Gale Anne Hurd fondly remembered Wilson, promising that his Walking Dead family would never forget him.
#ScottWilson may have gone on to a better place, but he will never be forgotten by all of us in his #TWDFamily We will love you forever. #RIP pic.twitter.com/Sfy40sgo2P
— Gale Anne Hurd (@GunnerGale) October 7, 2018
Scott Wilson’s death follows battle with leukemia
Wilson’s rep Dominic Mancini told TMZ that Wilson died as a result of complications from leukemia. The actor’s rep described Wilson as a “national treasure, a calm voice, and a gentle spirit to everyone who came in contact with him.” Wilson reportedly died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles.
Wilson’s career highlights, in addition to his 1967 role in In the Heat of the Night, also included The Great Gatsby. He was also nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Capt. Billy Cutshaw in the movie, The Ninth Configuration.
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