James Rebhorn Dies At Age 65

Photo Courtesy: Creative Commons
By Jacqueline Roman 03-30-14
Photo Courtesy: Creative Commons

Photo Courtesy: Creative Commons

“Homeland” has lost a beloved star as respected actor James Rebhorn has died at the age of 65.

Rebhorn passed away on Sunday in the comfort of his South Orange, N.J home, according to his agent Dianne Busch. The tragic news comes as a result of Hollywood actor’s long battle with melanoma. He had been fighting the disease for over 20 years since being first diagnosed. But on Sunday, while surrounded by his wife Rebecca and their two daughters, Emma and Hannah, Rebhorn finally gained peace.

He leaves behind five decades of television and film work and fans that span all ages. With more than 100 credits to his name, the ability to posthumously live on in Hollywood is easy. Viewers could admire his diverse work, ranging from a role as a shipping magnate in “The Talented Mr.Ripley” to a prosecutor that sends the famous cast of Seinfeld to jail in the series finale episode.

As a man of handsome stature, Rebhorn often played austere characters, such as the headmaster in “Scent of a Woman” or a lawyer on “The Practice.” The multi-faceted Rebhorn also worked in theater, starring in revivals like “12 Angry Men,” “Our Town” and the original 1985 production of “I’m Not Rappaport.”

On one of his most recent endeavors, “Homeland,” Rebhorn played the father of CIA officer Carrie Mathison. He was simultaneously working on the USA Network series White Collar playing the FBI head of a white collar crime unit.

He had certainly come a long way from his childhood in Philadelphia and his acting classes at Columbia University. People of the theater, cast and crew in Hollywood and appreciative viewers will remember him as an adaptable talent not to be forgotten.