Ocean’s Eleven star Scott L. Schwartz has died at the age of 65 in his family home in Louisiana.
The American actor, who had a background as a professional wrestler, died form congestive heart failure. He was best known for staring in the Hollywood franchise alongside George Clooney and Brad Pitt.
The 6ft 10 wrester appeared in 2001’s Ocean’s Eleven, 2004’s Ocean Twelve and 2007’s Ocean’s Thirteen. He famously played the part of a strongman who helped George Clooney‘s character and the other thieves in their heists in the series.
Following the trafic news of his passing, Hollywood icon George said: “I’m sorry to hear that Scott is gone. We did three films together and I’ve never been so gently punched. He was a gentle soul and he will be dearly missed.”
Scott’s death was confirmed by his representative in a statement to Variety. It read: “Those who know Scott personally associated him with being a jolly person, so full of life, a strong loving person, foodie and travel aficionado. Scott truly loved life and everyone that he met along the way.
“When he wasn’t acting, wrestling or telling jokes he spent his time visiting children with cancer at children’s hospitals.” Other stars went on to pay tribute to the actor, including House of Cards star Rick Zahn.
He called Scott his “dear friend” as he said “Scott has battled ill health these past couple of years. But with [wife] Misty at his side, Scott peacefully transitioned.The suffering is over.
“At 6′ 10”, Scott was one of the rare few I looked up to. But it wasn’t just because he was actually taller. It was because of his heart. He lived life with passion. And he adored his wife, Misty.”
As well as the Ocean’s franchise, Scott was part of over 100 other productions during his career. He also worked as a stuntman previously and also appeared on show’s such as Jay Leno’s Tonight Show.
Other movie credits include The Scorpion King and Spider-Man, while small screen showings include Castle and Starsky & Hutch. He also directed and wrote 2010’s Changing Heads.
Away from his decorated acting career, Scott was a professional wrestler. He retired form the sport in 1999 after 20 years in the business.
He admitted it was a “tough decision” when speaking in 2006 and revealed that he had sold most of his items to stop him from returning to the ring.
Speaking in 2008, he said that he felt his career in Hollywood and in the ring had been “really cool” and enjoyed speaking to people who had watched his work. Scott is survived by his wife, Misty, and his two children, Angela and Adam.