Edward Herrmann, best known for his role as Richard Gilmore on TV’s Gilmore Girls, died today at a hospital in New York, according to TMZ, which reports that the actor had been battling brain cancer. He was 71.

The Washington D.C.-born Herrmann had been in ICU for the last 3 1/2 weeks and when his condition did not improve, his family made the decision to have him taken off the respirator, the actor’s family reportedly told TMZ.

Herrmann began his career in theater in the 1970s, then went on to roles in television like playing FDR in several made-for-TV movies (which earned him an Emmy nod) and Herman Munster in the Fox’s Here Come The Munsters, but it was his portrayal as Lorelai Gilmore’s father on the WB’s Gilmore Girls for its entire run (2000-2007) that the actor made his mark for a new generation. Previous generations will remember him as the Max, the head vampire in The Lost Boys. He also co-starred with Macaulay Culkin in 1994’s Richie Rich movie.

Herrmann is survived by his wife Star and his three children.

RIP Edward Herrmann
Edward Herrmann – December 31, 2014

[Source: TMZ]