August Schellenberg 'Free Willy' Actor Dies in Dallas Home

Free Willy actor August Schellenberg died in his Dallas home Friday, says a report by Star Tribune. The announcement was made and confirmed by the actor's Canadian representative, Jamie Levitt of Lauren and Levitt Associates Inc.

"I got a call this morning from the National Arts Centre saying they have lowered their flags to honor him," said Levitt. "He was a loving father and grandfather and a very good husband. He was a very well-known Canadian and an iconic actor."

Schellenberg died at the age of 77 after a battle with lung cancer.

August, fondly called Augie by close friends and relatives is married to actress Joan Karasevich. Karasevich and the actor have three daughters.

The Canadian actor was well-known for his role in the famous movie 'Free Willy'. In the movie, Schellenberg played the role of Randolph Johnson. The character portrays him as a Haida native who was tasked to be Willy's keeper. In the story, the character worked hand in hand with the 12-year old Jesse - portrayed by Jason James Ritcher to teach Willy how to perform tricks. Schellenberg played Johnson's role in all three Free Willy films from its first release in 1993 to its third and last sequel in 1997 entitled "The Rescue." He was awarded Outstanding Performance by the First Americans in the Arts Awards in 1997 for his character in the last sequel of the movie.

Schellenberg's most recent award nomination was for a role in the 2007 HBO film "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee." The actor was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries for the role of Sitting Bull.

In the past, Schellenberg was won two Best Supporting Actor awards for the role of Chomina in Black Robe. Both awards were granted in 1991 by the American Indian Film Festival and the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Televison Film.

He won a Gemini Award for Best Actor for the role of Tom in The Prodigal in 1986.