Gammon battled “cancer two and a half years ago. It came back aggressively about a month ago in his adrenal glands and liver,” according to his wife, Nancy. Unfortunately, the actor was too weak to do surgery or chemotherapy, so he choose to do hospice at home for his remaining days.

He had a vast career starting as a cameraman while acting in local theater. The actor moved to California and began acting in television. In 1967, James made his film debut in Cool Hand Luke along side actor Paul Newman.

Throughout his career, Gammon logged more than 135 screen credits, but is best known for his film role in the 1989 comedy Major League where he played Lou Brown, manager of the hopeless Cleveland Indians. He also played a key role in films including, Urban Cowboy, The Milagro Beanfield War, Leaving Normal, Ironweed, Silverado and Cold Mountain.

RIP, Lou…