'The Thing' star Wilford Brimley dies aged 85

Actor Wilford Brimley has passed away at the age of 85 following a short hospital stay in St. George, Utah.

The actor was perhaps best known for his roles in the cult-classic movies The Thing, The Natural, and Cocoon.

He also became a prominent television fixture in the 80s and 90s as a spokesman for Quaker Oats, in which he told viewers to eat the cereal because "it’s the right thing to do."

The sad news was confirmed by Brimley's manager, Lynda Bensky, who provided the following heartfelt statement to Entertainment Tonight.

She said: "Wilford Brimley was a man you could trust. He said what he meant and he meant what he said.

"He had a gruff exterior and a tender heart. I'm sad that I will no longer get to hear my friend's wonderful stories.

"He was one of a kind."

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Several stars have already taken to social media to pay tribute to the legendary actor.

Actress Betty Buckley tweeted her thoughts on Brimley's passing, writing: "So sad to read this. I loved Wilford Brimley. It was a gift to get to work with him in the film Tender Mercies. Great actor! RIP Wilford."

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And talk show host Stephen Colbert wrote: "RIP Wilford Brimley – so many great performances, but I'll never forget seeing him sing the surprisingly tender It's Not Easy Being Green."

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Wilford married his first wife, Lynne Bagley, in 1956. They went on to have four sons together: James Charles, John Michael, William Carmen, and Lawrence Dean. They remained married until her passing in June 2000.

He remarried in 2007 to wife Beverly Berry.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans at this time...