Scott Wilson, who played Hershel Greene on "The Walking Dead" from 2011 - 2014,  has died at age 76.

AMC confirmed the sad news to People Saturday evening.

"Scott will always be remembered as a great actor and we all feel fortunate to have known him as an even better person," the network said in a statement. "...Hershel lived at the emotional core of the show. Like Scott in our lives, Hershel was a character whose actions continue to inform our characters' choices to this day. Our hearts go out to his wife, family, friends and to the millions of fans who loved him. Scott will be missed.”

News of the actor's death came just after it was announced that Wilson would be appearing on the show's ninth season, which debuts tomorrow, Deadline reports. His scenes have reportedly already been filmed.

The official Twitter account for "The Walking Dead" comic book also paid tribute to Wilson, saying they were "deeply saddened" to hear of his passing. "Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in paradise, Scott. We love you."

Wilson made his screen debut in 1967's Oscar-winning crime drama "In the Heat of the Night," following it up with his indelible role as an infamous killer in Truman Capote’s "In Cold Blood." His other films include 1976's "The Great Gatsby," "The Right Stuff," and "Dead Man Walking."

Wilson also played Sam Braun on "CSI" and appeared on "Bosch" and "The OA."

His friends and costars were quick to share thoughts online after hearing of his death

"The first time I met Scott Wilson, he gave me a big hug and said that this thing I had become apart of… was a family," Khary Payton (King Ezekiel on TWD) shared on Twitter. "He said I had a responsibility to take care of it. I have tried very hard to do that, sir. & I will continue. I promise. See you on the other side, my friend."

"Scott Wilson has departed. I am heartbroken. We are fewer. Go easy into the light brother," tweeted "Bosch" star Titus Welliver.

"Supernatural" actor Jim Beaver remembered Wilson in his breakout role in "In Cold Blood."

Lance Henriksen, who costarred with Wilson in 1989's "Johnny Handsome," also paid tribute to his friend on Twitter.

Rest in peace, sir.