Prolific character actor Wilford Brimley, known for his roles in movies such as The Thing, has died at the age of 85. Born in 1934 as Anthony Wilford Brimley, the star didn't land his first credited movie role until 1979's The China Syndrome. However, following that appearance, he worked steadily throughout the '70s, '80s, and '90s, appearing in a host of well-known films. Among these were The Natural, Cocoon, and High Road to China. Additionally, Brimley became a regular fixture on TV commercials, including those for Quaker Oats and Liberty Medical.
One of Brimley's most essential roles came in the 1982 movie The Thing, where he played Dr. Blair. The John Carpenter horror movie focused on a group of researchers faced with the horrifying "Thing." Though it didn't do well upon its release, the film has since gained a cult following and is now held in high esteem. In fact, it's gone on to spawn a 2011 prequel, as well as an upcoming remake from Universal featuring new content from the original novel. The continued interest in one of Brimley's most beloved projects shows the actor's enduring appeal.
Per TMZ, Brimley died yesterday morning in Utah. Sources say that although he spent time in the ICU on dialysis leading up to his death, the actor passed away at home. In 1979, Brimley was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, and much of his work with Liberty Medical involved educating others on the disease. For this reason, he was seen as an important figure in the fight to raise awareness about diabetes. Brimley is survived by his wife, Beverly, and his sons.
In addition to his film career, Brimley was widely known for his work on TV. He appeared in eight episodes of the classic series The Waltons, appropriately, as a character named Horace Brimley. He also had roles in several television films, especially in the 1980s, often as authority figures. In the 1979 TV movie The Wild Wild West Revisited, Brimley notably played President Grover Cleveland. Though he did less projects later in his life, he appeared in a 1997 episode of Seinfeld, as well as the 2001 TV film Crossfire Trail. In that movie, he reunited with his High Road to China co-star Tom Selleck. His last released project was the 2016 family film Timber the Treasure Dog, in which he played Hawk Jones.
Both Brimley's life and career show the importance of perseverance. With the actor's first credited role not coming until the age of 40, fans of his work would have missed out had he not decided to pursue his craft. Brimley leaves behind a host of important film and TV roles, cementing his status as one of the industry's most essential character actors and inspiring many with his tenacity.
R.I.P. Wilford Brimley: September 27, 1934 - August 1, 2020
Source: TMZ