Fred Ward dead – Sweet Home Alabama star dies aged 79

ok.co.uk:

Fred Ward has passed away aged 79.The actor, who starred in films such as Sweet Home Alabama, Escape from Alcatraz, Southern Comfort, The Right Stuff and Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins, is said to have died on Sunday 8 May.

A cause of death has not been disclosed. Announcing the news of his passing, his rep Ron Hofmann told the New York Post in a statement: "I am sad to announce the passing of acclaimed actor Fred Ward, who passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2022, at age 79. “The Golden Globe winner, actor and producer, is best known for The Right Stuff, Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins, Tremors, Miami Blues, Henry & June, The Player and Short Cuts." While his rep did not reveal the late actor's cause of death, he did share Fred's final wishes, and the charity he wanted people to donate to in his memory. "It was Fred Ward’s wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of donations to the Boston University Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center," Ron said. "Please visit https://bit.ly/BUSMCTE or contact 617-358-9535 for more information.” Fans of the actor have since flocked to social media to express their sadness at the news of his passing. "RIP, Fred Ward, a great character actor whose big shot at leading man status, Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins, unfortunately flopped, but who kept giving great, lived-in performances for the rest of his career," one person wrote. "Another all time great leaves us.

RIP Fred Ward.Tremors, The Right Stuff, Short Cuts, Miami Blues... His gruff, down to earth tough guy persona, so many great films, I always adored seeing him in anything," penned another.