‘My career has been a bit strange. I don’t think it took the normal route,’ Fred Ward once stated.
We remember Fred Ward from a challenging career. The brilliant actor who appeared in The Right Stuff, the Tremors franchise, Escape from Alcatraz, and other well-known movies died at the age of 79.
Yes, this is shocking news, and there have been tributes paid on the internet. Along with being an amazing actor, Fred Ward was also a producer. Ward has had a long and varied career, beginning with his performance in an Italian movie in 1973.
He dubbed Italian movies and worked as a mime before making his screen breakthrough in two Roberto Rossellini features. In his life’s journey, Fred created an excellent career worth knowing about. He will be always remembered for his appearances.
‘The Right Stuff’ Star Fred Ward Passed Away
In a statement to an outlet, Fred Ward’s representative Ron Hofmann confirmed the legend’s passing. He stated that the actor died last weekend, on May 7, 2022, at the age of 79.
“I am sad to announce the passing of acclaimed actor Fred Ward, who passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2022, at age 79.”
Mr. Hoffman also revealed Fred Ward’s wishes. Ward, he added, wished that any memorial contributions be directed to the Boston University Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center.
“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.”
Mr. Hofmann went on to say that Ward spent his final years of life mastering “his second favorite art form: painting.”
Fred Ward’s cause of death is still unknown because it was his family’s wish to keep it private.
Fred Ward’s Career Journey
Let us recall Fred’s career journey and all of the stunning appearances he made in his industry. Ward had his first American movie appearance in Hearts of the West (1975), after appearing in two Roberto Rossellini movies.
His first notable part was as fellow escapee John Anglin in Clint Eastwood’s movie Escape from Alcatraz (1979). After a few further appearances, he played the title character in Guy Hamilton’s action movie Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins.
Despite the fact that the movie was heavily promoted, with Ward featuring on the covers of various film magazines, it only grossed $15 million. He confirmed that he did the majority of the stunts himself.
Then starts the journey of ‘Tremors’. Ward appeared as Earl Bassett in the monster movie Tremors, as American erotic novelist Henry Miller in Henry & June (with Uma Thurman), and as cop Hoke Moseley in Ward’s self-produced movie Miami Blues, whose weapon, badge, and dentures are stolen.
He appeared in the action-thriller The Chaos Factor in 2000. You might be surprised to learn that Fred appeared as a guest star on the successful show Grey’s Anatomy & ER. Quite an amazing career, right?
Friends & Supporters Of Fred Ward Paid Tribute On Social Media
Many people admired Fred Ward, and many others remembered him for his best performances. They also paid tribute on the internet.
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. pic.twitter.com/v3UAilpPk5
— Will 🦥 Menaker (@willmenaker) May 13, 2022
He always elevated the movies he was in.
RIP Fred Ward. He always elevated the films he was in. pic.twitter.com/eigaiEbn4n
— Alex Winter (@Winter) May 13, 2022
The Legendary Fred Ward.
Rest in peace to the legendary Fred Ward. Genre fans know him from films such as TREMORS, CAST A DEADLY SPELL and SOUTHERN COMFORT, but his career spanned dozens of films and shows, and he made everything he was in better with his presence. pic.twitter.com/bid7s7dC1q
— FANGORIA (@FANGORIA) May 13, 2022
Fred was fantastic in his appearances.
Hearing word that the great Fred Ward has passed away at age 79. Genre fans knew him best as Earl Basset in 1990's TREMORS, but he was absolutely fantastic in Walter Hill's SOUTHERN COMFORT (1981) and as H.P. Lovecraft in HBO's CAST A DEADLY SPELL (1991). RIP, good sir. pic.twitter.com/lzaorNzyMA
— Ted Geoghegan (@tedgeoghegan) May 13, 2022
One of the best.
Walter Struckel in THE PLAYER
Sgt. Hoke Mosely in MIAMI BLUES
Earl Bass in TREMORS
Gus Grissom in THE RIGHT STUFFRIP Fred Ward. One of the best. pic.twitter.com/rUGlPq36qM
— BenDavid Grabinski+ (@bdgrabinski) May 13, 2022
His performance in Tremors will be everyone’s all-time favorite.
RIP Fred Ward.
His performance in Tremors will always be one of my all time favorites. Thanks for all the memories. pic.twitter.com/WXYelzV55G
— The Moonlight Warrior 🌙 (@BlackMajikMan90) May 13, 2022
A Great Character Actor.
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. pic.twitter.com/X3NnD3PgnX
— Alan Sepinwall (@sepinwall) May 13, 2022
We agree.
Fred Ward was great in just about everything he did. You’ll hear a lot about TREMORS in your feed but he’s also amazing in HENRY & JUNE (the first NC-17 movie), and fantastic in MIAMI BLUES. Sad day.
— Phil Nobile Jr. (@PhilNobileJr) May 13, 2022
We understand this is devastating news. The death of one of the industry’s top performers is a huge loss. But Fred Ward will be remembered for his incredible talent and gentle heart.
You are welcome to share Fred’s outstanding movie/show appearances in the comments section below.
