Oscar-nominated Sam Shepard, best known for his work in the “Right Stuff” and “Black Hawk Down,” has died at the age of 73.
A representative for the actor confirmed to People magazine Monday that Shepard passed away at his home in Kentucky on Thursday after complications with his ongoing battle with ALS. (RELATED: Legendary ‘James Bond’ Actor Sir Roger Moore Has Died At Age 89)
PARK CITY, UT – JANUARY 18: Actor Sam Shepard poses for a portrait during the 2014 Sundance Film Festival at the Getty Images Portrait Studio at the Village At The Lift Presented By McDonald’s McCafe on January 18, 2014 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
“The family requests privacy at this difficult time,” family spokesperson Chris Boneau told the outlet, adding that funeral arrangements would be private. There’s no word yet if there will be any kind of public memorial.
Shepard appeared in dozens of films and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as pilot Chuck Yeager in the 1983 astronaut movie “The Right Stuff.” He was also an author and playwright and is responsible for more than 40 plays and numerous books.
He is survived by his two sisters, Sandy and Roxanne Rogers, and his three children: Jesse Mojo, Hannah Jane, and Samuel Walker.