Television and film actor John Heard has passed away. Variety broke the news earlier today that Heard died at the age of 71 in Palo Alto, California. He was found dead in his hotel room following a back surgery he was recovering from. His death was confirmed by the Santa Clara Medical Examiner’s office.
The Palo Alto Police Department confirmed to People that officers responded to a call requesting medical assistance at the hotel Heard was a guest at. “I can confirm that our officers responded with the Fire Department to a hotel in our city yesterday on a report of a person in need of medical aid,”stated the police spokesperson. “The person was determined to be deceased. While still under investigation, the death is not considered suspicious at this time.” Foul play is not suspected to be involved in the death.
Heard began his acting career in 1974. He has appeared in a variety of films and television shows, though he is best known for is portrayal as Kevin McCallister’s father, Peter McCallister, in the 1990 film Home Alone and its 1992 sequel Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. His other film appearances include the roles of Jack Kerouac in Heart Beat, Oliver Yates in Cat People, Tom Schorr in After Hours, Paul Davenport in Big, John Pierce in Beaches, Dr. Kaufman in Awakenings, Buddy Hillyer in Rambling Rose, Gavin Verheek in The Pelican Brief, Vice President Ted Matthews in My Fellow Americans, and Gilbert Powell in Snake Eyes.
His most well known television credit is the role of Detective Vin Makazian in The Sopranos. The New Jersey based detective worked with main character Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) during a span of five seasons. Over his 40 year acting career he made guest appearances on many shows including Kate & Allie, Miami Vice, Law & Order, The Client, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, CSI: Miami, Jack & Bobby, Prison Break, Entourage, The Chicago Code, Modern Family, Elementary and the 2017s version of MacGyver. He also appeared as George in Syfy’s 2013 Sharknado alongside Tara Reid and Ian Ziering.
Heard has been divorced three times. He was married to actress Margot Kidder for a total of six days and was also married to Sharon Heard and Lana Pritchard. Heard is survived by his son Jack, who is shared with his ex-girlfriend Melissa Leo, and a daughter from a previous marriage. His son Max passed away in 2016.