Sad news has hit Hollywood as Gavan O'Herlihy has reportedly passed away. The veteran actor, who originally appeared on Happy Days and whose memorable big screen credits included classics like Never Say Never Again, Willow, and Superman III, was 70 years old. The news was published by the Irish Echo, though a cause of death hasn't yet been revealed. Barbie Wilde, who played O'Herlihy's girlfriend in Death Wish 3, has also addressed his passing by writing on Twitter, "RIP to fellow Death Wish 3 actor, Gavan O'Herlihy."

Paul Talbot, the author of Bronson's Loose! The Making of the Death Wish Films, posted more details about O'Herlihy's passing on the book's official Facebook page. According to Talbot, O'Herlihy died on Oct. 14. The post also shares a story of how O'Herlihy first met Charles Bronson on the set of The Travels of Jamie McPheeters, a Western TV series that featured O'Herlihy's father, Halloween III: Season of the Witch star Daniel O'Herlihy.

Others are also paying tribute to the versatile actor, as well as his father. Writer Matt Serafini posted an image of O'Herlihy alongside his father and wrote in a tweet, "Sad to hear about the passing of Gavan O'Herlihy who played Fraker in Death Wish 3 with such pitch perfect and sneering evil. Somehow had NO IDEA he was Daniel O'Herlihy's son. Iconic screen villains who dominated my childhood and who loom larger-than-life even today."

"Sad news to hear about Gavan O'Herlihy's passing," another fan writes. "A fine actor who deserved more recognition. One smaller role I will always remember him fondly for was Marshal Sharp in The Last Outlaw with Mickey Rourke, but of course Willow is a firm favourite. We'll win this war for you!"

Gavan O'Herlihy was born in Dublin, Ireland, on July 29, 1951. Classic television fans may recognize him as the forgotten Cunningham sibling from Happy Days, playing the eldest brother Chuck Cunningham in the first episode of the 1970s comedy series. The character then vanished from the series with no on-screen explanation, coining the term "Chuck Cunningham Syndrome," which refers to characters who disappear from television shows with no mention in future episodes.

Preferring to work in movies, O'Herlihy later reunited with his Happy Days brother, Ron Howard, for Howard's fantasy movie Willow. This was one of the few movies to feature O'Herlihy in the role of a hero, as he typically played antagonistic roles. That includes a memorable role in the Charles Bronson sequel Death Wish 3 as Fraker, the leader of a violent gang that goes to war with the vigilante. The actor also played a villain in the James Bond movie Never Say Never Again.

The Irish actor's other credits include Superman III, The Dirty Dozen: Next Mission, Twin Peaks, The Shooter, Lonesome Dove, Prince Valiant, Butterfly Man, and Seven Days of Grace. Horror fans may also remember Gavan O'Herlihy well for his role as Sheriff Vaines in the horror sequel The Descent Part 2, which serves as one of his last acting roles. More than a decade later, the actor took on a lead role in Nic Saunders' upcoming movie Queen of the Redwood Mountains, which will be released posthumously.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Gavan O'Herlihy at this time. May he rest in peace. This news was published by The Irish Echo.