James Rebhorn
"Homeland" producer Alex Gansa was silent on how the Showtime drama will address actor James Rebhorn's death in the upcoming fourth season. Showtime

"Homeland" will be back in October for its fourth season, but with a notable absence. Actor James Rebhorn, who played Carrie's mentally ill father in the Showtime drama, passed away in March at age 65 after a long battle with skin cancer.

Rebhorn's character, Frank Mathison, played an important role earlier in the series, helping to care for Carrie when her mental illness threatened to debilitate her. But Rebhorn had played only a minor role in the most recent season.

Saddened fans of the show may be wondering how the producers will address the loss in the coming season, but executive producer Alex Gansa, speaking with TV Line, gave out little information.

"We want to honor him," Gansa said of Rebhorn. "But how we actually go about doing that, I’d rather not say."

Gansa added that Rebhorn was "one of the kindest, most supportive and wonderful men to work with." Fans may have to wait until the season premiere to see how the show plans to honor the beloved actor.

"Homeland" Season 4 will take place in Pakistan and Afghanistan, sending Claire Danes' Carrie Mathison abroad as a field agent. The season premiere will air on Oct. 5 at 9 p.m. EDT on Showtime.

How should "Homeland" honor James Rebhorn? Tweet your thoughts to @Ja9GarofaloT V