Actor Heath Freeman, who portrayed serial killer Howard Epps in two season of hit TV show Bones, has died at the age of 41.
The actor's manager, Joe S. Montifiore, confirmed the news of his passing, describing Freeman as an "extraordinarily gifted actor and producer, consummate cook, and man with the most infectious and spectacular laugh."
"We are truly devastated at the loss of our beloved Heath Freeman," Montifiore said in a statement to Deadline. "A brilliant human being with an intense and soulful spirit, he leaves us with an indelible imprint in our hearts."
Montifiore went on: "His life was filled with deep loyalty, affection, and generosity towards his family and friends, and an extraordinary zest for life. He was extremely proud of his recent film work and was very excited for the next chapter of his career.
"His remarkable legacy as a son, brother, uncle, friend, extraordinarily gifted actor and producer, consummate cook, and man with the most infectious and spectacular laugh, will live on forever. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him."
Former Miss USA Shanna Moakler was one of the first to post about Freeman's death, as she took to Instagram to share a photo of herself posing with the actor on Sunday.
"Heartbroken to hear of the loss of my dear friend Heath Freeman, talented actor, director, producer, outstanding chef and a solid friend," she captioned the image. "You will be so dearly missed and I will cherish every amazing memory we all had.... and we have a lot of great ones!! Godspeed. ❤️⚓️😓 #ataloss."
When one of Moakler's followers inquired how Freeman had died, she said that he "passed in his sleep yesterday in his home in Austin."
Moakler also paid tribute to Freeman on Twitter, writing: "Godspeed beautiful friend, I will miss your laugh and cherish our great times... ty for making this life exciting and fun @heathfreeman #heartbroken."
Actor Gabriel-Kane Day-Lewis, son of Daniel Day-Lewis, shared a series of photos of himself and Freeman on the set of their upcoming movie Terror on the Prairie.
Day Lewis wrote that "it shatters my heart to write this. last night the man I got to know as my older set brother tragically passed away in his sleep. there is nothing that i could say which could ever possibly do your existence justice, Heath."
He added: "[W]e formed such a strong bond from the start, and you became a mentor to me. watching you work was such a privilege. your charisma, your talent, your humor, your passion and your red hot Irish temper will be dearly missed. i'm so sorry you won't be here to see what we made together. i'll miss laughing with you my brother aka 'Gold Heath'. rest easy."
Gina Carano, who also worked with Freeman on the upcoming film, wrote in her own Instagram tribute that the actor "truly was so special."
"This is hard to write," Carano said in the caption. "I was just giving you a big wrap party hug a week ago. I wanted to keep you for a lifetime and now I am going to carry you for a lifetime in my heart.
"I didn't know our journey would be cut this short and my heart is shattering. I wanted so much more time to laugh, cry, create, live, love with your friendship..
"Heath truly was so special, so fierce and precious, protective gentle and brave. He made me feel safe. He took care of everyone around him. I am so blessed to know him for the time I did. Rest In Peace Heath Freeman.. my sweet, passionate friend. I'll be missing you and praying for your loved ones.💔"
Terror on the Prairie, directed by Michael Polish, is set to be released in 2022, according to IMDB.
Shiloh Fernandez, who appeared alongside Freeman in the 2010 movie Skateland (which the late actor also wrote and produced), also shared memories of his time with his co-star.
"This is Heath Freeman," Fernandez wrote. "He was the big brother I always wanted. He was so smart, so charming, so deep, so generous and such a damn force of nature—like I'd never seen before... and I was so lucky to be embraced as his little brother—it brought me so much magic. So much magic."
"I'm so beyond grateful for every second I had with you, @heathmonster—and everyone who he loved that I in turn, get to love - I'm grateful to him for them as well," Fernandez continued. "I hate to do this but this man deserves a hearty goodbye for now because he was a damn comet, and those don't come around too often."
Fernandez also shared a host of tributes from mutual friends on his Instagram Story.
Per a screenshot published by the Daily Mail, actress Ashley Benson also shared a tribute on her Instagram Story, writing: "I'll love you forever @heathmonster RIP," over a photo of herself kissing Freeman on the cheek.
Freeman, who had described actress Kelly Monaco as his "best friend," also appeared in such shows in The Closer, NCIS and Without a Trace. Another of his upcoming films, Devil's Fruit, is currently in post-production, per IMDB.
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