Fans and cast members of the zombie horror show “The Walking Dead” are in mourning, after the death of actor Scott Wilson was announced. The actor who played Maggie’s father, Hershel and two-and-a-half seasons on “TWD” passed away from leukaemia at the age of 76.
A statement from AMC said Wilson would always be remembered as being a great actor. The spokesperson said everyone involved in the show felt fortunate to have known him. They said Hershel, Scott played in the emotional core of “The Walking Dead.”
‘TWD’ actor Scott Wilson has left us
Wilson was introduced to “The Walking Dead” at the beginning of season 2, as Rick and his group found Hershel’s farm.
Scott left the show halfway through season 4. A representative of Wilson confirmed his passing to TMZ, advising that the actor had passed away from leukaemia.
Scott Wilson has departed. I am heartbroken. We are fewer. Go easy into the light brother pic.twitter.com/fLiCZigFG5
— TitusWelliver (@welliver_titus) October 7, 2018
AMC continued in their statement to The Hollywood Reporter to say Scott as a person, and as the character, Hershel, has led the “TWD” characters in their choices, right up to the current time. They sent out their condolences to Wilson’s family and friends and to the many fans who loved Hershel in the show. The statement added that Wilson will be missed by all involved in the popular zombie horror show.
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
Hershel was set to return to ‘The Walking Dead’ with Sonequa Martin-Green
Entertainment Weekly reports that Angela Kang, the new showrunner for the show, had announced this weekend at Comic-Con in New York that Scott would be reprising his role during season 9, along with Sonequa Martin-Green, the actress who plays Sasha Williams.
Now it seems we’ll only get to enjoy the return of Sasha to the show, but it is unknown how they will bring her back from the dead.
Chandler pays tribute to the legend Scott Wilson pic.twitter.com/4t0EFQhPjV
— The Walking Dead (@TheWalkingDead) October 7, 2018
‘TWD’ cast in mourning for Scott
Khary Payton, who plays the role of Ezekiel, sent out a tweet, explaining that the first time he met Wilson, Scott gave him a hug, explaining that he had now become part of a family.
Wilson told Payton he had a responsibility to take care of that family. Payton said he had tried hard to do that and will continue to do so.
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
Actor Michael Cudlitz, who formerly played the role of Abraham Ford, wrote in a tweet that Wilson should “rest easy.” One of his followers on Twitter agreed that Scott was "the sweetest."
So sad. He was the sweetest. 😪 pic.twitter.com/mTk9ZffUZd
— Joy (@Jlyn1967) October 7, 2018
Besides the role of Hershel, Wilson also appeared in other TV series, including “Bosch,” “The OA and “Damien.” He also starred in various films in the 1970s, including “In the Heat of the Night,” “The Great Gatsby,” "CSI," “Junebug” and “Pearl Harbor.”
Rest in peace, Hershel. the following video is a tribute to a great actor.