John Heard Dies At 71

John Heard, the beloved star of several huge 80s and 90s movies, died Friday in Palo Alto, CA.

Police were called to the hotel for a report of a medical emergency, but he was pronounced dead on the scene.

The coroner is investigating, and cause of death is unclear at this time … but police do not suspect foul play.

We do know this … according to his rep, John had “minor back surgery” Wednesday at Stanford Medical Center, and he was staying at the hotel while he recovered.

He also had roles in “Big,” “Beaches,” “Gladiator,” “Home Alone,” and “Pelican Brief” — to name just a few — and also a slew of TV roles on “Miami Vice,” “The Sopranos” … and even the first “Sharknado.”