File photo of John Heard from August 2013 (courtesy AFP)
Highlights
- John Heard was reportedly found dead in a California hotel
- "John Heard- what a wonderful actor," tweeted Jeff Bridges
- The veteran actor gained popularity after starring in Home Alone
Los Angeles:
Actor John Heard, best known for playing the father in the hit 90s-era
Home Alone films, has died, according to US media. He was 72.
Entertainment website
TMZ said the actor was found dead in a Palo Alto, California hotel where he was recuperating following back surgery.
Heard's representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Actor Jeff Bridges took to Twitter to honour his former co-star: "John Heard- what a wonderful actor. We were in the movie Cutter's Way together & I got to experience his artistry and dedication first hand."
The veteran actor gained popularity after playing Peter McCallister - the father of mischievous Kevin, played by Macaulay Culkin - in the family comedy
Home Alone and its sequel
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
Born in Washington DC on March 7, 1945, Heard worked in theatre prior to transitioning to the silver screen. Though most people knew him as the "Home Alone Dad," Heard also acted in films including
Between the Lines, Heart Beat, Cutter's Way and
Big.
In 1999 he scored an Emmy nomination for playing a corrupt detective on the acclaimed mafia drama series
The Sopranos. His other television appearances included
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Modern Family and
Entourage.