Actor And Former Hudson Valley Resident John Heard Dies At Age 71

Actor John Heard who is perhaps best know as the father in Home Alone has passed away at the age of 71. According to the Daily Freeman, he spent much of the 90s and early 2000s, as a resident of Kingston.

Heard was found Friday in a Palo Alto hotel room and authorities do not suspect foul play. A representative of his stated he had been staying there after recovering from recent back surgery at a nearby hospital.

The internet movie database (IMBD) reports that in addition to Heard's role as Peter McCallister in Home Alone 1 & 2, he also appeared in the movies Big, The Pelican Brief and Gladiator. Appearances on television were also common, having had roles on The Sopranos, Modern Family and Entourage.

During his time in the Hudson Valley, Heard was romantically involved with actress Melissa Leo with whom he had a son. After their breakup, things went south and a custody battle played out in the local court system.

The Daily Freeman reports that a somewhat recent appearance in the original Sharknado movie was one of his favorite roles because he knew the movie would become a cult classic.