Former "American Gladiators" star Lee Reherman, know as "Hawk," was found dead in his house on Manhattan Beach, Calif. on Tuesday. He was 49.

Reherman, whose dead body was discovered by his girlfriend, featured on "American Gladiators" between 1993 and 1996.

The cause of death is yet to be determined, but the actor's rep said that in the weeks leading up to his demise he had been complaining about "not feeling well" and had recently recovered from a hip replacement surgery he underwent a few weeks ago.

Hailing from Louisville, Ky., Reherman had an MBA from Cornell University, where he also pursued a career in professional football as an offensive lineman. After failing to make the Miami Dolphins team, he moved to California to take up a career in acting.

He bagged a small role on the television series "Columbo" before appearing in Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Last Action Hero," but his Hollywood career took off after he featured in "American Gladiators," a competition reality show in which average Joes square off against athletes in contests of strength and agility.

Reherman also appeared on the "American Gladiators" spin-off "International Gladiators 1" and went on to become a successful television star, starring in several TV shows including "Jane The Virgin," "K.C. Undercover" and "NCIS."

He most recently starred as a secret service agent, Ross Hardison, on "The First Family" and his other TV credits include "The X-Files," "Gilmore Girls," "That's So Raven" and "The Shield." He also hosted Speed network's "Hot Rod TV" and "Forza Motorsport Showdown" and worked as a voice actor for video games.

"Lee Reherman is loved by everyone who knew him and worked with him and he will be missed by all," his publicist said.

"Anybody who came in contact with him, even people who may have been on a film set with him for just one day, Lee was very much loved by everyone," said Kathy Carter, his manager of 17 years.

The show's official Twitter account announced Reherman's death on Tuesday. "It is with much sadness we inform you ‪#AmericanGladiators star Hawk ‪@LeeReherman sadly passed away this morning. RIP" the post read.

Reherman's old friend, Dean Cain, also took to the micro-blogging platform to pay tribute to the actor. "RIP Lee Rehrman. I will miss you, brother," he tweeted.

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