Popular ‘Sling Blade’ Actor Dead At 56

Actor Brent Briscoe, known for his roles in “Spider-Man 2,” “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Sling Blade” and “The Green Mile,” died at the age of 56. Briscoe’s death was confirmed by his family, and the actor was remembered by his friend, Kerry Carpenter, in a Facebook post. “It is with a sad and heavy heart that I can share what I just learned via his family,” Carpenter’s post read. “Brent Briscoe passed away this morning in Los Angeles.

He was surrounded by his father Carl, his sister Shelley, and brother Kent. Brent was a proud Moberly native, an accomplished actor in TV and movies, an incredible pitcher and shortstop in his day, and a friend to so many. Please keep Brent’s family in your thoughts and prayers…as it has been less than a year since his mother passed away. I’m sure she was there to greet him in heaven. Rest in peace old friend.”

Variety reported that Briscoe died of internal bleeding and heart complications after suffering a severe fall. Briscoe was best known as a character actor, taking on such roles as diner owner J.J. in NBC’s “Parks and Recreation,” repair shop employee Scooter in “Sling Blade,” and Sheriff Cecil Coleman in “The Majestic,” The Hollywood Reporter reported. “We lost a class act on Wednesday. Brent played hundreds of roles throughout his career but his greatest role was to his family and friends. He was as genuine as they come.

We will miss him dearly,” his representative said in a statement to Variety. David Lynch, who worked with Briscoe on “Twin Peaks,” also issued a statement acknowledging his passing. “I want you to know how much I loved working with Brent. I worked with him on “Mulholland Drive” and “Twin Peaks.” I loved him as an actor and a great person. I’m holding good thoughts for all of you. I will really miss working with Brent again,” Lynch’s statement read. Briscoe was survived by his father, brother and sister.

Many people mourned the actor on social media after news of his death broke, including some who knew him personally. “I know that he had heart problems a while back. I am just so sick to hear about this it really makes me really sick he was way too young. True talents and he will be missed,” one Facebook user wrote on Carpenter’s post. “So very sorry to hear about Brent. He was a terrific guy. Sympathies to the family,” another wrote. “So very sorry to hear this.

He was such a talent and so enjoyed beholding his talent while in school and beyond! Will be wrapping all his loved ones in prayer in the coming days,” another added. Sources: Kerry Carpenter/Facebook, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety / Featured Image: Stephan Ridgway/Flickr / Embedded Images: Getty via Hollywood Reporter, Screenshot via Kerry Carpenter/Facebook