Scott Wilson, the actor who played Hershel Greene on The Walking Dead, passed away Saturday at the age of 76.

Wilson, whose death was announced on the show's official Twitter feed, played Greene on the AMC series for three years, and it was revealed at The Walking Dead New York Comic Con panel Saturday that the character returns to make an appearance this season.

In a statement, per Deadline, AMC said Wilson “will always be remembered as a great actor and we all feel fortunate to have known him as an even better person.”

“The character he embodied on The Walking Dead, Hershel, lived at the emotional core of the show. Like Scott in our lives, Hershel was a character whose actions continue to inform our character’s choices to this day,” the statement said. “Our hearts go out to his wife, his family, friends and to the millions of fans who loved him. Scott will be missed.”

Wilson was a veteran actor who appeared on TV shows like The X-Files, The Twilight Zone, and Robot Chicken, on which he reprised his role as Greene. He also had an extensive film career, with roles in The Great Gatsby and Pearl Harbor.

Those who worked with Wilson, as well as fans, expressed their sadness on social media following the news.

The ninth season of The Walking Dead premieres Sunday, Oct. 7.