Kenneth Welsh, of ‘Twin Peaks’ fame, dead at 80

Canadian character actor Kenneth Welsh, best known to American audiences for his turn as menacing FBI agent Windom Earle in “Twin Peaks,” died Thursday at the age of 80.

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Welsh’s son, singer-songwriter Devon Welsh, confirmed his father’s passing via social media.

“I will always love him beyond words. He lived a wonderful life. He was the best father I could have asked for, and he touched so many lives,” the younger Welsh wrote.

The Canadian film and television union, ACTRA, also confirmed Welsh’s death, but no cause has been provided, Deadline reported.

“Ken was one of Canada’s all-time great performers, with hundreds of memorable roles spanning decades. He will be greatly missed. Our condolences to his loved ones,” ACTRA wrote in a prepared statement.

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1942. Welsh studied at the National Theatre School of Canada in Montreal and performed with the world-renowned Stratford Festival, recognized for its performances of Shakespeare plays, during his early career, Variety reported.

In addition to his standout “Twin Peaks” performance, Welsh’s TV career spanned decades, and some of his more recognizable roles included stints on “The X-Files,” “Law & Order,” “The Outer Limits,” “Soul Food,” “The Practice,” “Due South,” “Smallville,” “Stargate Atlantis,” “Human Target,” “The Expanse” and “Star Trek: Discovery.”

Meanwhile, some of Welsh’s most notable theatrical supporting roles included “The Aviator,” “Timecop,” “Legends of the Fall,” “Focus,” “The Day After Tomorrow,” “The Fog” and “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,” according to the entertainment news site.

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Kenneth Welsh TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 11: Kenneth Welsh arrives at "The Art Of The Steal" premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival held at Roy Thomson Hall on September 11, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Michael Tran/FilmMagic) (Michael Tran/FilmMagic via Getty Images)

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