An iconic actor has sadly died in his sleep at the age of 84. Peter Helm was best known for his appearances in shows like Bonanza, Dr Kildare and Perry Mason, along with starring in films including The Longest Day and The Andromeda Strain. His last on-screen acting project was appearing as Dennis Clary in The Smith Family back in 1971.

He sadly died at his West Hills home in California on May 21. Peter is survived by his sister Anne Helm and his daughters Tiffany and Brandee, along with seven grandchildren. Sadly his son Dustin passed away in 2014 after a motorcycle accident caused health complications.

Peter was married to actress Brooke Bundy from 1962 until their divorce in 1966.

His family also followed him into acting – his daughter Tiffany appeared in 1985 horror Friday the 13th: A New Beginning, along with starring on TV shows like Freddy’s Nightmares and 21 Jump Street.

Anne, his sister, was also an actress – she starred opposite Elvis Presley in 1962 film Follow That Dream. She later retired from the profession and began writing children’s books.

Tributes have been flooding in for the late star, with one fan tweeting: “#RIP Peter Helm. The brother of actress Anne Helm appeared in The Longest Day, Inside Daisy Clover, The Andromeda Strain and many 1960s TV shows; liked to drive his cars fast; and got to spend a lot of time with Joey Heatherton.”

Peter’s friend Joey Heatherton branded him a “great actor and a great person, top of the world.”