On Friday the world learned of veteran actor Fred Ward’s passing. The announcement was made via his publicist Ron Hoffmann. The statement reads: “I am sad to announce the passing of acclaimed actor Fred Ward, who passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2022, at age 79.” Over the weekend fans, friends and celebrities who have worked with Ward took to social media to pay their respects and share stories.
Celebrities Ted Raimi and Alex Winter wished to express their admiration and sadness. With Winter tweeting a simple heartfelt statement. “RIP Fred Ward. He always elevated the films he was in.” While Raimi’s message was slightly more somber. “So many of us actors wanted to be this cool. So few were. Damn it all. 😞”
Director Edgar Wright remembered the late actor by listing some of his favorite Ward films. “Farewell to Fred Ward who gifted us with so many rugged, funny and relatable characters throughout his career and always had charm to burn. Loved him in ‘Tremors’, ‘Miami Blues’, ‘The Right Stuff’, ‘The Player’, ‘Southern Comfort’ and more. RIP and thanks for all the movies x”
Actor and comedian Patton Oswalt recognized Ward’s career by reminiscing about a favorite line from Tremors. “Fred Ward was so amazing in everything but the way he delivers the line, “I guess we can’t make fun of Burt’s lifestyle anymore” is pure poetry. #RIPFredWard”
Lou Diamond Phillips remembered bonding with Ward on the set of The Dark Wind. “Saddened by the passing of Fred Ward. It seems far too soon. Such a dignified and grounded man. We bonded over spirituality and music in the Arizona desert while making The Dark Wind. He was a calm in the Hollywood storm. #RIPFredWard” The 1991 Robert Redford executive produced film is the story of an investigation into a drug smuggling ring on the Navajo reservation.
Matthew Modine, who worked with Ward on two films, wrote, “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.”
Kate Mulgrew, co-starred with Ward on the 1985 action film Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins. On Friday she retweeted a Variety article, announcing the actor’s death, and offered some kind words. “I mourn the loss of Fred Ward, who was so kind to me when we worked together on Remo Williams. Decent and modest and utterly professional, he disarmed with a smile that was at once warm and mischievous.”
Scream Queen Dee Wallace also reminisced about working with Ward on the 1985 romantic comedy Secret Admirer. “One of my most fun shoots in the world was with Fred Ward on Secret Admirer. You will be missed my friend! 💙”
Perhaps the one that resonates with horror fans the most came from the Val to Ward’s Earl, Kevin Bacon. “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.” This included a picture of the two as their characters from the 1990 cult classic film Tremors.
No cause of death has been revealed. Fred Ward is survived by his wife of 27 years, Marie-France Ward and his son Django Ward.
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. Please visit https://bit.ly/BUSMCTE or contact 617-358-9535 for more information
