James Rebhorn dies of melanoma

He had often been seen playing generic roles, but he was particularly thrilled to play a farmer in Candles on Bay Street. PHOTOS: FILE

James Rebhorn, the tall, lanky character actor who appeared in dozens of movies and television shows, including the Showtime political thriller Homeland, has died at the age of 65, Reuters reported.

Rebhorn died on Friday of melanoma at his home in New Jersey. The newspaper cited his agent, Dianne Busch, who was not immediately available to comment.

The actor worked regularly in film, television and on stage and appeared in more than 50 films, including Independence Day, My Cousin Vinny, Basic Instinct and Cold Mountain. He also was known for his role in Scent of A Woman in 1992, according to the IMDb.

As a stage actor, he appeared in a revival of Twelve Angry Men in 2004. He had numerous roles on television, including a memorable part as the assistant district attorney who sent theSeinfeld cast to jail in the series’ finale.

In an interview in 2007, Rebhorn shared that he tried to do one play every year because he enjoyed the audience’s immediate feedback, reported the New York Times.

Although he had often been seen playing the generic role of lawyers and politicians, he noted that he was thrilled to play a farmer in a Hallmark Hall of Fame special named Candles on Bay Street. “It was a small role, but it was a pleasure to be a character who doesn’t wear a suit,” he said.

He had most recently appeared in Homeland as Frank Mathison, the father of Carrie Mathison, a CIA officer played by Claire Danes. The show has featured how both daughter and father have grappled with bipolar disorder.

Rebhorn was born on September 1, 1948, in Philadelphia. He leaves his wife, Rebecca Linn and two daughters, Hannah and Emma.