Actor Beloved By Millions Found Dead In California Home

Actor John Heard has died at the age of 71.

John was best known for his role in the popular “Home Alone” films that were released in the 1990s, in which he played the father to Macaulay Culkin’s character. He was found dead on July 21 in his Santa Clara County, California home, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

John’s cause of death is currently unknown and still under investigation.

He also appeared in other movies and TV shows such as “Big,” “The Pelican Brief,” “Miami Vice,” “Modern Family,” and others. He earned an Emmy nomination for best guest star in a drama series in 1999 for his role as Detective Vin Makazian on the hit HBO television series “The Sopranos.”

More recently, John made appearances on WGN’s TV drama “Outsiders” and CBS’ “MacGyver.”

John began his acting career in the 1970s on stage before transitioning onto the big screen. His breakthrough role came in the 1981 film “Cutter’s Way,” in which he starred opposite Jeff Bridges.

He was married to “Superman” actress Margot Kidder for a brief period time, and later had a child with actress Melissa Leo. John had two other children with Sharon Heard, his second wife.

John’s estranged son, Max, died on Dec. 6, 2016, the New York Daily News reported. He was 22 years old and died “peacefully in his sleep,” according to the obituary, which was published by The Bergen Record in January of the next year.

In the obituary, mother Sharon revealed details about the relationship — or lack thereof — between John and his son, Max.

“Max was in deep grief of not having a father participating in his life,” Sharon wrote, according to the New York Daily News. “We did everything to help him, but the agony was with him.”

“He knew how loved he was by his mother, and sister, and his new girlfriend Maggie,” she continued. “We adore him, and will continue to adore him. For all of eternity.”

Several actors took to Twitter to pay tribute to the actor, and offer their condolences to John’s family.

“Rest peacefully, Mr. John Heard,” Elizabeth Perkins wrote. “You were the perfect foil, perfectly sly & a perfect gentleman. Many prayers to his family and children.”

“John Heard- what a wonderful actor,” tweeted Jeff Bridges. “We were in the movie Cutter’s Way together & I got to experience his artistry and dedication first hand.”

“Sad to hear of John Heards passing,” added Rob Lowe. “Did a production of Three Sisters with him years ago. Wonderful actor.”

Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, New York Daily News, Elizabeth Perkins/Twitter, Jeff Bridges/Twitter, Rob Lowe/Twitter / Photo credit: Pixabay, Getty via The Hollywood Reporter, AP via New York Daily News