Twin Peaks actor Brent Briscoe dies aged 56

Character actor Brent Briscoe has died at the age of 56.

Briscoe died on Wednesday from internal bleeding and heart complications stemming from a serious fall that had sent him to the hospital, according to his publicist.

‘We lost a class act on Wednesday,’ said a statement sent to Entertainment Weekly. ‘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.’

Actor Brent Briscoe, known for his roles on Parks and Recreation and Twin Peaks, has died at the age of 56 (pictured in 2012)

He most recently played Det. Dave Macklay on the revived series Twin Peaks (pictured)

He most recently played Det. Dave Macklay on the revived series Twin Peaks (pictured)

Originally from Moberly, Missouri, the actor worked in television and film for nearly 30 years, most recently playing Det. Dave Macklay on the revived series Twin Peaks. 

He became a fan-favorite in NBC’s Park’s and Recreation, where he played J.J., the owner of Amy Pohler’s Leslie Knope’s beloved JJ’s Diner. 

The show’s creator Michael Schur tweeted a message to Briscoe on Friday: ‘R.I.P. JJ. Thanks for serving Leslie all those waffles.’ 

Briscoe got his first acting credit in 1990, when he appeared in Burt Reynold’s sitcom Evening Shade after graduating from the University of Missouri.  

He often worked with director David Lynch, serving once again as a detective in his 2001 movie, Mulholland Drive.

Briscoe also played the owner of Leslie Knope's beloved JJ's Diner on Parks and Recreation

Briscoe also played the owner of Leslie Knope’s beloved JJ’s Diner on Parks and Recreation

The character actor often worked with Billy Bob Thornton. Here they are pictured on the set of a Simple Plan in 1999

The character actor often worked with Billy Bob Thornton. Here they are pictured on the set of a Simple Plan in 1999

‘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.’ said Lynch in a statement provided by his family to EW. 

Briscoe was a common sight alongside actor Billy Bob Thornton, and appeared with him on 1996’s Sling Blade, and 1998’s A Simple Plan, as well as on an episode of Thornton’s Amazon drama Goliath.

They also shared screen time in Mr. Woodcock, The Smell of Success, Jayne Mansfield’s Car, and Waking Up in Reno, which Briscoe co-wrote. 

The actor also served as a writer on the sitcom Evening Shade and on the film The Right To Remain Silent, and had guest starring roles on NCIS, Grey’s Anatomy and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

He leaves behind his father Carl, his brother Kent, and sister Shelley West. 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk