US actor Brian Dennehy has died aged 81.
His daughter Elizabeth tweeted that he passed away on Wednesday night from natural causes.
She said: "It is with heavy hearts we announce that our father, Brian passed away last night from natural causes, not Covid-related."
She described him as "larger than life, generous to a fault, a proud and devoted father and grandfather".
"He will be missed by his wife Jennifer, family and many friends", she added.
It is with heavy hearts we announce that our father, Brian passed away last night from natural causes, not Covid-related. Larger than life, generous to a fault, a proud and devoted father and grandfather, he will be missed by his wife Jennifer, family and many friends. pic.twitter.com/ILyrGpLnc3
— Elizabeth Dennehy (@dennehyeliza) April 16, 2020
Dennehy was known on the screen for roles in films such as 'Cocoon', 'Presumed Innocent' and 'Romeo + Juliet'.
His breakthrough role was opposite Sylvester Stallone in 'First Blood'.
He won a Golden Globe for his performance in 'Death of a Salesman', and was also nominated for six Emmy Awards.
Fellow actor Michael McKean said Dennehy was "brilliant and versatile, a powerhouse actor and a very nice man as well."
RIP Brian Dennehy. Brilliant and versatile, a powerhouse actor and a very nice man as well.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) April 16, 2020
While actress Dana Delany tweeted: "The stage was what he loved."
"In rehearsal he said, 'This is it, kid.' He was a fellow nutmegger, mick and a Marine.
"They don’t make his kind anymore."
I met Brian in a bar, acted in a movie with him but the stage was what he loved. In rehearsal he said, “This is it, kid.” He was a fellow nutmegger, mick and a Marine. They don’t make his kind anymore. ❤️to his family. https://t.co/0TLeo2MAyt
— Dana Delany (@DanaDelany) April 16, 2020
