Lee Reherman’s ’88 girlfriend found him dead in his Manhattan Beach, California apartment by his girlfriend on Tuesday. He was 49 years old.
“He was such a light of sunshine, always positive in good and bad times,” his manager Kathy Carter told CNN. “He had so many fans, not just of Hawk or his Disney shows but just life fans. You can’t forget Lee Reherman.”
While at Cornell, Reherman gained prominence as a standout offensive lineman for the football team. After completing his bachelor’s degree, Reherman participated in the Miami Dolphins’ training camp, but did not make the team, according to CNN.
Afterward, Reherman attended the University of California at Los Angeles, where he earned his MBA. Reherman began to pursue a PhD in economics before leaving to begin a career in television and film, according to ABC News.
After a few small acting stints, Reherman gained fame as a participant on the television show American Gladiator. Known as Hawk, Reherman stayed with the show until its cancellation.
Reherman then went on to work in television, film and voice acting, making guest appearances on shows including Ellen, Gilmore Girls, The X-Files and The Shield.
At the time of his death, Reherman was in the process of producing a documentary called The League, which would have explored college football in the Ivy League.
Reherman is survived by his father and two brothers. The cause of his death is currently unknown.