Alexis Bledel and her Gilmore Girls co-stars have released statements this week about the passing of Edward Herrmann, who played Richard Gilmore and was a grandfather-figure to Bledel for seven years.

Bledel said she learned quite a bit from the veteran actor during their time on the show together, calling him “endlessly knowledgeable” about film, television, and theater.

“Ed Herrmann was a wonderful actor and a kind man. He was endlessly knowledgeable about theater, TV and film, and would generously share his wisdom or tell stories from a long and rewarding career. I am grateful to him for that, and will miss him tremendously. He loved acting and was the head of our Gilmore family with his strong presence and great sense of humor. May he rest in peace,” she said.

Herrmann was an accomplished actor and famously had roles in The Lost Boys and The Aviator, as well as several television credits on The Practice, Oz, and Grey’s Anatomy. He died on New Year’s Eve at the age 71 after a long battle with brain cancer.

“Edward Herrmann besides being an accomplished actor, he was a true gentleman and a scholar, as well as being an incredibly kind and decent man. He will be sorely missed,” his manager said in a statement.