Scott Wilson, 'Walking Dead' actor, dies at 76

Actor Scott Wilson speaks onstage at the 2014 Summer Television Critics Association at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., July 12, 2014.

Scott Wilson, the actor who portrayed Hershel on "The Walking Dead," has died, according to reports. He was 76.

Wilson had been battling cancer, according to the Hollywood Reporter. His death was confirmed Saturday in a message posted on the Twitter page of "The Walking Dead," which sent condolences to the actor's family and friends.

"We are deeply saddened to report that Scott Wilson, the incredible actor who played Hershel on #TheWalkingDead, has passed away at the age of 76," the tweet read. "Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in paradise, Scott. We love you!"

On the show, Wilson played Hershel, father of Maggie, who is played by Lauren Cohan. Wilson joined "The Walking Dead" in Season 2, but his character died during Season 4, ET Online reported.

Showrunner Angela Kang said Saturday at New York Comic-Con that Wilson had been scheduled to return for the show's new season, ET reported, but no additional details were available.

According to Variety, Wilson was born in Atlanta on March 29, 1942, and hitchhiked to Los Angeles after graduating from high school.

He eventually got roles in films such as "The Great Gatsby," "In the Heat of the Night," "The Ninth Configuration," "In Cold Blood," and "The Right Stuff."

Wilson was also active in the Screen Actors Guild, Variety reported.

He is survived by his wife, Heavenly, according to reports.