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How did Fred Ward die? Veteran actor who starred in 'Tremors' and 'The Right Stuff' was 79

'I am sad to announce the passing of acclaimed actor Fred Ward, who passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2022, at age 79,' stated Ron Hofmann, Ward's publicist

Fred Ward, the 79-year-old Hollywood actor, died on Sunday, May 8, according to his publicist, who refused to reveal the cause of death to the media. "I am sad to announce the passing of acclaimed actor Fred Ward, who passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2022, at age 79," Hofmann wrote in a statement. 

Hoftmann also revealed that the star's final desires were for his followers to donate to a medical research center in Boston that treats encephalopathy. The late star reportedly spent the last years of his life painting. Hoffman's refusal to reveal the cause of death is linked to Ward's family who do not want the cause or location of death to be revealed, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The Golden Globe winner, who is Cherokee, has a boxing history, which has led to him playing gruff tough man characters on screen.

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"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,' Hofmann told the New York Post. Beginning his career in the 1970s, the San Diego native went on to feature in a number of well-known films, including 'Tremors', 'Henry & June', 'Sweet Home Alabama', and 'Enough'. He was best remembered for playing 'Gus Grissom' opposite Sam Shepard and Dennis Quaid in the 1983 US Space Program film 'The Right Stuff'.

While the actor kept his personal life discreet, he was married three times throughout his lifetime. Carla Evonne Stewart was his first wife. They married in 1965 and divorced soon after. He later married Silvia Ward, with whom he had a musician son named Django. The year of their divorce is unknown. He married Marie-France Boisselle in 1995. According to TMZ, she filed for divorce in August 2013, but they reunited later that year.

The actor starred in over 70 films and more than a dozen television episodes during his Hollywood years. Many people paid respect to the actor on social media, recalling his memorable roles. 'Tremors' co-star Kevin Bacon wrote a tribute on Twitter. He wrote, "So sad to hear about Fred Ward. When it came to battling underground worms I couldn’t have asked for a better partner. I will always remember chatting about his love of Django Reinhardt and jazz guitar during our long hot days in the high desert. Rest In Peace Fred."

Actor Alex Winter, known for starring in 'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure' wrote, "RIP Fred Ward. He always elevated the films he was in."

"Fred Ward was seemingly incapable of being inauthentic His characters felt like they lived a full life and we’re only seeing a part of it and that’s a magic trick done right in front of you and very luckily captured in light forever RIP," actor Diedrich Bader posted.

The veteran actor's beloved friend Matthew Modine tweeted, "Devastated to learn about the passing of my friend, Fred Ward. I had the absolute pleasure of working with this wonderful man in Robert Altman’s Shortcuts and Alan Rudolph’s Equinox. A tough facade covering emotions as deep as a the Pacific Ocean. Godspeed amigo."

Ward worked as a short-order cook, a boxer, and a lumberjack in Alaska before beginning his film career in the early 1970s, according to biography. He also served three years in the U.S. Air Force. Ward's performance in 'Short Cuts' in 1993 earned him a Golden Globe and the Venice Film Festival ensemble prize, according to his biography. His wife of 27 years, Marie-France Ward, and son Django Ward survive him.