Frederic Forrest, ‘Apocalypse Now’ actor, dead at 86

‘The Rose’ star died at home after suffering from ‘long illness’

Frederic Forrest, known for roles in “Apocalypse Now” and “The Rose,” died on Friday. He was 86.

“Freddie Forrest’s passing is a big loss,” Forrest’s longtime friend and fellow actor, Barry Primus, told Fox News Digital.

“He was so unique, both as a brilliant actor and as the sweet, endearing person that he was. He had such an eye for eccentric characters, both in life and in his work. When you hired Freddie for a part, you got the whole package.”

Primus confirmed that Forrest died “at home, peacefully, after a long illness. Helen Sanders, his loving friend, was at his side when he passed.”

Forrest starred in nearly 100 film and television roles throughout decades of work in the entertainment industry.

He famously played Jay “Chef” Hicks in “Apocalypse Now” and starred alongside Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Harrison Ford, Dennis Hopper and Scott Glenn in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1979 Vietnam War epic.

Forrest, left, worked with Martin Sheen and Scott Glenn in “Apocalypse Now” and reunited with the crew at the 40th anniversary special screening in 2019. (Michael Kovac)

In the same year, he played opposite Bette Midler and Alan Bates in “The Rose,” which earned him not only a Golden Globe nod but also an Academy Award nomination.

The National Society of Film Critics honored him as best supporting actor for both films.

Midler wrote on Twitter, “The great and beloved Frederic Forrest has died. Thank you to all of his fans and friends for all their support these last few months. He was a remarkable actor, and a brilliant human being, and I was lucky to have him in my life. He was at peace.”

Forrest teamed up with Coppola once again in “One From The Heart” in 1981 and again in 1988 for “Tucker: The Man and His Dream” with Jeff Bridges, Joan Allen and Martin Landau.

Forrest and Coppola collaborated on four films together. (Vince Bucci)

Frederic Forrest was married to actress Marilu Henner for three years. They divorced in 1983. (Images Press)

He starred as the original captain on “21 Jump Street,” worked with Joel Schumacher in “Falling Down” and starred in Johnny Depp’s 1997 film with Marlon Brando, “The Brave.”

“His contributions were always enormous, and his talent shone brightest when he was given free rein,” Primus said. “Working with him was a treat and, for me, a learning experience. It was absolutely enchanting to spend an evening hearing him tell stories, so much fun and in its own way a kind of performance art. There was a love in them that made you feel how crazy and wonderful it was to be alive.”

“It is this love, along with Freddie’s poetic and exuberant personality, that one gets in his performances.”

Forrest was married to his first wife, Nancy Ann Whittaker, for three years. He married actress Marilu Henner in 1980, and they divorced in 1983. source