Sad news for The Walking Dead family today as veteran actor Scott Wilson has died. He was 76.
“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. Our thoughts are with his family and friends,” read a tweet posted by the show’s verified Twitter account. “Rest in paradise, Scott. We love you!”
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. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in paradise, Scott. We love you! pic.twitter.com/guNI7zSqDZ
— The Walking Dead (@TheWalkingDead) October 7, 2018
Wilson memorably played a farmer and the father of Lauren Cohan’s Maggie on TWD, appearing in more than 30 episodes before being beheaded by the Governor in the fourth season.
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In a statement, AMC said, “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.”
The statement underscored that Hershel was a character who “lived at the emotional core of the show,” and it certainly wasn’t wrong about that.
Just yesterday, TVLine reported that Wilson — along with fellow TWD alums Sonequa Martin-Green (Sasha) and Jon Bernthal (Shane) — would be making an appearance in season nine, which premieres tonight. They will likely return in a flashback, given that all three characters are dead.
The prevailing theory at this point is that the return of these three fan favorites has something to do with the exit of Rick Grimes, since actor Andrew Lincoln previously announced that season nine would be his last.
According to ComicBook’s Brandon Davis, Wilson’s scenes have already been filmed. It’s unclear, though, whether the scenes will still air in light of news of his death.
It’s also unclear how this will affect the second season of the Netflix series The OA, in which Wilson played one of the show’s leads, Abel Johnson.
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What is clear is just how beloved Wilson was. Not surprisingly, the Walking Dead cast has already begun flooding social media with their love for the late star.
Norman Reedus, who plays Daryl:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Boo_qJjAbBU/Steven Yeun, who played Glenn:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BopIpcGHljw/Sarah Wayne Callies, who played Lori:
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Katelyn Nacon, who plays Enid:
#ScottWilson 's incredible acting MADE Hershel one of the most beloved characters on TV. Rest easy my friend knowing you touched the hearts of millions of people across the world. #TWDFamily
— Katelyn Nacon (@katelynnacon) October 7, 2018
Emily Kinney, who played Beth:
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Michael Cudlitz, who played Abraham:
Rest easy my friend…… rest easy.
— Michael Cudlitz (@Cudlitz) October 7, 2018
Laurie Holden, who played Andrea:
Today we lost one of the finest human beings myself and so many others have ever known. Scott Wilson was pure love, kindness, elegance & grace. He had the ability to make me smile on the darkest of days. He was pure LOVE. I will miss him for the rest of my life. #RIPScottWilsonpic.twitter.com/21ktM5WeCW
— Laurie Holden (@Laurie_Holden) October 7, 2018
David Morrissey, who played the Governor:
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
Juliana Harkavy, who played Alisha:
Rest in paradise, #ScottWilson. You were a gentle, kind, and beautiful soul. 🕊❤️ pic.twitter.com/HgrIASPEEd
— Juliana Harkavy (@JulianaHarkavy) October 7, 2018
Elizabeth Ludlow, who played Arat:
RIP #ScottWilson I’m so thankful to have met you even for the brief moments that they were. You made me feel welcome when I felt out of place. Your gentle nature put me at ease and I never got to say thank you for that, so thank you. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/faooVe55iS
— Elizabeth Faith Ludlow (@ElizabethLudlow) October 7, 2018
Erik Jensen, who played Dr. Steven Edwards:
#ScottWilson you were a gifted and generous actor. Thanks so much for the great conversation and kind words. #WalkingDead#WalkingDeadFamilypic.twitter.com/VqvS7SJQZ9
— Erik Jensen (@erikjensen123) October 7, 2018
TWD producer Gale Anne Hurd:
#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. #RIPpic.twitter.com/Sfy40sgo2P
— Gale Anne Hurd (@GunnerGale) October 7, 2018
The Talking Dead host Yvette Nicole Brown:
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#TWDhttps://t.co/PPDeQ3qRIE
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) October 7, 2018
TWD producer Glen Mazzara:
#ScottWilson was an amazing actor. In “Beside the Dying Fire,” Herschel watches his barn burn. Scott gives more in that one look than many folks give in a career.
— Glen Mazzara (@glenmazzara) October 7, 2018
You will be missed, Wilson.
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