American actor Wilford Brimley, best known for hit films ‘Cocoon’ and ‘The Firm’ has died, aged 85. 

Brimley died at his home in Utah on Saturday morning, according to TMZ.

His manager Lynda Bensky said: "Wilford Brimley was a man you could trust. He said what he meant and he meant what he said. He had a tough exterior and a tender heart. 

“I’m sad that I will no longer get to hear my friend's wonderful stories. He was one of a kind.”

His career started in the 1970s and included films such as ‘The Natural’, ‘The Thing’, and ‘Hard Target’.

Brimley also appeared in several TV programmes, such as ‘How the West Was Won’, ‘Kung Fu’, and ‘The Oregon Trail’.

He starred in over 40 episodes of ‘Our House’ and also appeared in hit show ‘Seinfeld’.

Brimley's talent agent Dominic Mancini told The Hollywood Reporter: "He was a wonderful man, a joy to be around, and his dry sense of humor and iconic voice left an ever lasting impression on every person he met.

“I was lucky to call him a friend. To know Wilford, was to love Wilford.”

He also appeared in adverts for Quaker Oats through the 1980s and 90s.

In 1979 he was diagnosed with diabetes and throughout his life raised awareness of the disease. 

Brimley is survived by his wife, Beverly Berry, and their three children.

Fans and friends have since paid tribute on social media, as one wrote: “I was very sad to hear that actor Wilford Brimley passed away today. 

"His beautiful, humble, and fierce characters in ‘The China Syndrome’ and ‘The Natural’ are two performances I love. What an amazing actor, Rest In Peace sir.”