1934-2020 (Age 85)
Wilford Brimley, the character actor known for his gruff and grumpy persona in movies including “Cocoon” and “The Natural,” television shows such as “The Waltons” and “Our House,” and commercials for Quaker Oats and Liberty Medical’s supplies for diabetes patients, died Saturday, August 1, 2020 in St. George, Utah, at the age of 85.
Brimley began his acting career relatively late in life and hadn’t dreamed of being on the silver screen as a young man. Instead, the Salt Lake City native had a career working with horses after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He became a rodeo rider, a ranch hand, and a blacksmith, and he found work shoeing horses for production companies filming Westerns. Eventually, he began working as a stuntman and an extra in those same Westerns, which led to his breakthrough role on “The Waltons.”
When he was cast in “Cocoon” in 1985, Brimley was only 50, but his grey hair and signature large mustache helped him look like the senior citizen he played. Brimley’s ad campaign for Quaker Oats in the 1980s and ‘90s was iconic, as he touted the oatmeal as “The right thing to do and the tasty way to do it.” As well known was his series of commercials for Liberty Medical’s supplies for diabetic patients. Brimley himself was diagnosed with diabetes in 1979 and worked for decades to raise awareness of the disease. He was honored by the American Diabetes Association for his work on behalf of those with diabetes.
Notable quote
“Nobody on the face of this earth could ever run their mouth and their ears at the same time and ever learn something.” —from a 2017 Q&A session with theater students
By Linnea Crowther
(Image: Getty Images/NBC/Frank Carroll)
He made a memorable impression in all his movies...especially The Electric Horseman, as the sympathetic trucker who helps Redford & his horse. His role as the Postmaster General intimidating Kramer in a Seinfeld episode was also a standout. Great career, great character actor. RIP, sir.
Lynda Martinez
November 08, 2025
To a great actor, gruff and all. Sorely missed.
Sheila Kilduff
November 03, 2025
Always loved you Wilford. The joy that you brought to me, my father, and my sons can never be paid back. God bless you.
Steve 4
November 03, 2025
THE '' BIGGEST ''SECRET MODESTO EVER HAD ''''''IN (1999) I HAD THE 'RARE' OPPORTUNITY TO ''SHOOT GUN'S'' WITH WILFORD' AT THE 'GUN RANGE' IN MODESTO, CALIF' ON A ''SUNDAY AFTERNOON '' JUST ME & WILFORD BRIMLEY & ED HILTMAN' RANGEMASTER AND BEST FRIEND ''' A PRIVATE ''SHOOTING COMPETITION ''' I DID SOME 'TRICK SHOT'S' FOR WILFORD' AND HE WAS 'AMAZED ''' HE TOLD US '' ''' YOU 'OKLAHOMA BOY'S' CAN SURE 'SHOOT'' SHOOT LIKE THE ''HOUSE IS ON FIRE ''' BEST SHOT IVE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE '''' AND...
JAMES ARTHUR. HARRISON.
November 17, 2024 | Friend
One of the best genuine actors ever to hit the screen..he was so real..so down to earth, like he could be related to you kinda man..thank goodness we have the opportunity to watch his shows and movies anytime we feel the need to see his magnificent gift of acting.. ride high in the morning Wilford until the sunset you will forever be remembered and missed..rest in glory sir..❤
Emily Hampton
November 09, 2024 | Friend
Remembering a legend today; taking my personal health journey seriously. Bless up
Jonathan Jonathans
August 08, 2024 | GA | Acquaintance
What a great , under-estimated actor. I loved the way he was able to steal away scenes from the lead actors is so many movies. My greatest regret was not making his acquaintance and telling him how much I appreciated his work , when he was in town making a movie. I saw him standing on the steps of his hotel , waiting for his driver, and I just couldn't overcome my personal reticence to intrude on him. What a man!
DJ Pearce
April 09, 2024 | Calgary, AB, Canada, AB
I met Wilford at Richard Farnsworth's memorial back in 2000. It was an interesting introduction. I told him I was Dick's friend, that I didn't know him like he did, but he touched my life.. he looked at me and said in that gruf voice of his. " It doesn't matter, he touched your life! That's why we're all here....I went on to mentioned that I'd written a screen play a Western were Dick would have played my Grandpa..I added that Burt Kennedy who was in the hospital at the time was going to...
Rick Diaz
August 24, 2023 | Work
I was riding home today with my 80 year old Mother-In-Law, and we were discussing Movies and Cacoon came up and I could not remember Wilford’s name. What a talented man love his movies and acting. He will be missed. I’m going home tonight to ways couple of his movies to celebrate his life. To his family his memory lives on through his movies and outstanding talent. Thanks Wilford for what you gave us .
Johnny Johnson
April 11, 2021 | Culpeper, VA | Friend
