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Wilford Brimley, iconic face of Quaker Oats, dies at 85, fans mourn loss of 'The Natural' actor

Sources with 'direct knowledge' of his health had told them that Brimley was in the Intensive Care Unit on dialysis - he was 'very sick for days'

Actor Wilford Brimley, known for his roles in 'Cocoon,' 'The Natural' and 'The Thing' and recognized as the iconic face of Quaker Oats, has died at the age of 85. It was reported by Deadline that a representative had confirmed to them that the actor died in his Utah home this Saturday, August 1, 2020. Brimley, also known for 'The Electric Horseman' and 'The Hotel New Hampshire', had quite a fan base throughout his career in film and television mostly in the 1970s.

He was also, as reported by TMZ, a diabetes education spokesperson. The publication further revealed that the sources with "direct knowledge" of his health had told them that Brimley was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on dialysis - he was "very sick for days". Many fans took to Twitter to pay their condolences and pay tribute to the actor's lengthy career.
 
"One of my favourite character actors of all time. And what a resume! Too bad the Cocoon juju wore off... #WilfordBrimley #RIPWillfordBrimley," tweeted one user, with another adding all of the best work the actor is known for, "RIP Wilford Brimley of THE CHINA SYNDROME, ABSENCE OF MALICE, TENDER MERCIES, THE NATURAL, COCOON, THE FIRM, HARD TARGET, IN & OUT and John Carpenter's THE THING."

The actor boasts over 70 credits with a career in front of the camera, and is known for his many TV roles such as 'How the West Was Won' and 'The Oregon Trail'. Brimley then did move on to movies and is known for his works on 'The Wild Wild West Revisited', 'Rodeo Girl' and 'The Big Black Pill'. He also had a recurring role on 'The Waltons'. With many exceptional productions under his belt, Brimley is also remembered for his roles in commercials - especially that of Quaker Oats. He was recognized as the face of the brand in the '80s and '90s. The actor, who has left behind his wife, Beverly, and their three children, was diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in 1979, as reported by TMZ - he has been open about his journey and even was rewarded for his support and advocacy in 2008 by the American Diabetes Association. 
 
As fans continued to pay tribute and condolences, some brought up times they had the opportunity to have met the Brimley in person. "Had a nice conversation with Wilford Brimley at McGeary's Irish Pub in Albany NY in December 1993. He was playing Ebenezer Scrooge across the street at the Palace. He also knew his way around a bowl of steamin' Quaker Oats. Rest in Peace, Wilford. #WilfordBrimley," tweeted one fan. Another fan brought up the fact that this yet another horrible incident in 2020, writing, "Here's to a real one. Thanks again 2020. #ripwilfordbrimley #wilfordbrimley #blair." Many remember Brimley from his recent three movies titled, 'I Believe', 'Timber the Treasure Dog', and 'Masque'.