Actor John Heard Dead at 72

08/31/2017 04:14 pm EDT

Actor, John Heard, best known for his role as Peter McCallister in Home Alone, has died at the age of 72.

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TMZ reports the beloved star of several mega '80s and '90s films died on Friday in a Palo Alto, California hotel.

The news agency reports via family sources that Heard was "found dead in a hotel by the maid service." While authorities were called to the scene for a medical emergency, he was pronounced dead on the scene.

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TMZ reports that the coroner is investigating, and cause of death is unclear at this time, but does reveal that the star of films like Big, Beaches and The Pelican Brief had "minor back surgery" on Wednesday at Stanford Medical Center and was staying at the hotel while he recovered.

The Washington, D.C. native was best known for his role as the lovable dad from 20th Century Fox's Home Alone and its sequel. Heard was nominated for an Emmy Award in 1999 for guest starring on The Sopranos. Over the years, he had recurring roles on CSI: Miami and Prison Break.

Photo credit: Facebook, 20th Century FOX / Getty Images, Gabriel Olsen

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