BREAKING NEWS: Wilford Brimley, a character actor who appeared in films like The Firm and Cocoon before becoming the Quaker Oats pitch man, dies at 85
Wilford Brimley, the longtime character actor who appeared in such hit films as Cocoon, The Firm, The Natural and The China Syndrome but is best known as the pitch man for Quaker Oats food products, has died. He was 85.
Brimley passed away at his home in his native Utah, TMZ reported.
The news site said that Brimley was on dialysis while being treated in an intensive care unit after his health deteriorated in the final days of his life.
Wilford Brimley (seen above in New Jersey in 2017) has died after falling severely ill in his home in his native Utah on Saturday, TMZ reported
Wilford Brimley (far left), Hume Cronyn (center), and Don Ameche (right) are seen above in the film Cocoon, the 1985 sci-fi comedy drama directed by Ron Howard
Brimley was also known for his public advocacy of diabetes education.
He devoted efforts to raising awareness of the disease after he was diagnosed with diabetes in 1979.
Brimley is survived by his wife, Beverly, and their three children.
A rep close to the family told TMZ that Brimley’s favorite quote was one that he found on a blacksmith’s sign.
It read: ‘There is nothing made, sold, or done that can’t be made, sold, or done cheaper.
‘If price is your only concern, please do business with my competitor.’