A representative for Dallas actor Ken Kercheval told Experess.co.uk the star had died on Easter Sunday. She added the star’s children had been making their way to his hometown of Clinton, Indiana, where he died. Ken’s cause of death is currently unknown. The representative confirmed the news in a lengthy statement and tribute on her Instagram page.
In view her 706 followers, she described the actor as “one of a kind”.
She added: “Safe journey home… remembering Ken – great actor, loved women, very particular about his clothes, always prepared, loved the stage as well as film and TV.
“We had a bumpy road but Ken was always there… steady as a rock!
“He left a giant footprint for everyone to enjoy.
“His kids, Aaron, Caleb, Liza, and Madison all have shared memories,” she continued.
“Down the road… look up and perhaps Ken is smiling at you! Goodbye Ken… bring light and love up there.”
Ken was diagnosed with cancer in 1994 resulting in him having part of his lung removed.
The actor was reported to have been cancer-free four months after undergoing surgery.
At the time, his doctor told People: “Usually the cure rate for lung cancer is about 10 percent but because Ken’s was detected early and hadn’t spread, his chance of recovery is closer to 90 percent.”
Ken was most recognised by fans as Cliff Barnes in America’s hit show Dallas for over 13 years.
His character was famous for being J. R. Ewing’s (played by Larry Hagman) rival in the show.
Upon learning the news of his death, Piers Morgan, 53, flocked to Twitter to pen a tribute to the star.
In view of his 6.63 million followers, he commented: “Sad news, one of the all-time great TV anti-villains.”
Actor Mark Gatiss also wrote: “Farewell Ken Kercheval. Always a charming, Cagney-like presence in ‘Dallas’.
“Might have a Chinese in tribute. RIP.
Ken previously spoke out about his time portraying his iconic character, saying: “From the very beginning, Cliff would always get defeated by J.R.
“Finally, I went to [Dallas writer and producer] Leonard Katzman and said, ‘I’m not sure exactly how to play this, because for this guy to keep coming back again and again, he’d have to have gotten a lobotomy.’
“I thought as an actor, how am I going to have an audience believe that this guy is not some imbecile who keeps coming back to get whipped?
“I thought the only way is to add some humour to it, just to say, ‘Dust yourself off, get up and start all over again,’” he added.