American Gladiators star Lee Reherman, who played Hawk on the series, was found dead in his home in Manhattan Beach, California, on Tuesday, March 1. He was 49.
Reherman’s rep told TMZ that the actor’s girlfriend found him in their home on Tuesday morning. According to the publicist, Reherman voiced some complaints about “not feeling well” within the last week. He had undergone a hip replacement surgery a few weeks ago.
The show’s official Twitter account, as well as his old pal Dean Cain, mourned Reherman on Tuesday.
It is with much sadness we inform you #AmericanGladiators star Hawk @LeeReherman sadly passed away this morning. RIP pic.twitter.com/jbGPfIUfff
— Gladiators (@GladiatorsTV) March 1, 2016
RIP Lee Rehrman. I will miss you, brother. https://t.co/qYpOQ2bqYA
— Dean Cain (@RealDeanCain) March 1, 2016
Along with American Gladiators, Reherman is best known for guest-starring on numerous television shows. He most recently starred as a secret service agent, Ross Hardison, on the CW series The First Family from 2012 to 2015. He had other appearances on shows including General Hospital, Jane the Virgin, NCIS, Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, 90210 and the X-Files.
He played Hawk on Gladiators from 1993 to 2000. He starred on 104 episodes of American Gladiators from 1991 to 1996.
Reherman played college football at Cornell and aspired to play for the NFL. After a short stint with the Miami Dolphins, Reherman turned to theater and acting.