Advertisement

Updated August 2nd, 2020 at 10:25 IST

Wilford Brimley, ‘Cocoon’ and ‘Natural’ actor, dies at 85

Brimley’s manager Lynda Bensky said the actor died Saturday morning in a Utah hospital. He was on dialysis and had several medical ailments, she said.

| Image:self
Advertisement

Wilford Brimley, who worked his way up from stunt performer to star of film such as “Cocoon” and “The Natural,” has died. He was 85. Brimley’s manager Lynda Bensky said the actor died Saturday morning in a Utah hospital. He was on dialysis and had several medical ailments, she said.The mustached Brimley was a familiar face for a number of roles, often playing gruff characters like his grizzled baseball manager in “The Natural.”

Brimley’s best-known work was in “Cocoon,” in which he was part of a group of seniors who discover an alien pod that rejuvenates them. The 1985 Ron Howard film won two Oscars, including a supporting actor honor for Don Ameche.Brimley also starred in “Cocoon: The Return,” a 1988 sequel.For years he was pitchman for Quaker Oats and in recent years appeared in a series of diabetes spots that turned him at one point into a social media sensation.

“Wilford Brimley was a man you could trust,” Bensky said in a statement. “He said what he meant and he meant what he said. He had a tough exterior and a tender heart. I’m sad that I will no longer get to hear my friend’s wonderful stories. He was one of a kind.” Though never nominated for an Oscar or Emmy Award, Brimley amassed an impressive list of credits. In 1993’s John Grisham adaptation “The Firm,” Brimley starred opposite Tom Cruise as a tough-nosed investigator who deployed ruthless tactics to keep his law firm’s secrets safe.

A Utah native, Brimley’s Hollywood career started in the late 1960s as a stuntman, where he forged a friendship with Robert Duvall. Duvall’s encouragement led Brimley to seek more prominent acting roles and his career took off after his appearance in 1979’s “The China Syndrome,” according to a biography prepared by Turner Classic Movies .Brimley had a recurring role as a blacksmith on “The Waltons” and the 1980s prime-time series “Our House.”

In recent years, Brimley’s pitchwork for Liberty Mutual had turned him into an internet sensation for his drawn out pronunciation of diabetes as “diabeetus.” He owned the pronunciation in a tweet that drew hundreds of thousands of likes earlier this year .Brimley is survived by is wife Beverly and three sons.

(Image Credit: AP) 

Advertisement

Published August 2nd, 2020 at 10:25 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending Quicks

MEA Responds To China’s Comment On Sikh Separatist Gurupatwant Singh Pannun
2 minutes ago
The ICJ has ordered Israel to ensure the smooth flow of aid to the people of Gaza.
4 minutes ago
UFC Exclusive Erin Blanchfield
6 minutes ago
WWE Bloodline
8 minutes ago
Ramya on Uttarakaanda sets
13 minutes ago
Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell
14 minutes ago
Maharashtra Politics: Did Govinda Say Congress Ignored Him For 13 Years?
15 minutes ago
Jailed Gangster Mukhtar Ansari Passes Away
17 minutes ago
Torrent Power
19 minutes ago
Securing a Loan Against Property Despite Inconsistent Employment History
20 minutes ago
Riyan Parag
24 minutes ago
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo