Born: July 9, 1938 – Died: April 15, 2020
Brian Dennehy, an actor whose commanding presence and resonant voice graced both stage and screen, was born on July 9, 1938, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. His father, Edward Dennehy, contributed to the family as a journalist and editor, fostering an environment that likely sparked Brian's later interest in storytelling and acting. Brian's journey into the realm of acting led him to major contributions in both film and theater, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career
Brian Dennehy's early life was shaped by his experiences in Bridgeport and later in New York City, where he attended Columbia University on a football scholarship. He majored in history, demonstrating an early interest in the narratives that shape our world. His pursuit of the dramatic arts took him to Yale, where he further honed his craft.
Dennehy's first foray into the professional acting world was in minor screen roles, beginning with an appearance in "Looking for Mr. Goodbar" (1977). However, it was his portrayal of a bigoted sheriff in "First Blood" (1982) that brought him significant attention and acclaim. This role showcased his ability to bring complex, often antagonistic characters to life, setting the stage for a career filled with diverse and powerful performances.
Dennehy's career was marked by a series of significant roles that showcased his versatility. He won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Willy Loman in "Death of a Salesman," and received two Tony Awards for his stage work, including his performance in "Long Day's Journey into Night." These accolades underline his ability to deeply connect with his audience, whether on screen or on stage.
Off the screen and stage, Dennehy's life was equally rich. He married Jennifer Arnott in 1988 and was a father to Kathleen Dennehy. His interests outside of acting were varied, and he was known for his work as a stockbroker, which interestingly connected him with Martha Stewart. Despite facing personal challenges, including a battle with alcoholism, Dennehy's resilience and commitment to his craft never waned.
Brian Dennehy's impact on Hollywood and the broader entertainment industry is significant. He stood out not only for his physical stature but also for his ability to imbue his characters with depth and complexity. His legacy is that of a versatile actor who could seamlessly transition between the worlds of film and theater, leaving an indelible mark on each. Dennehy's work, characterized by performances that often portrayed men of power with a tinge of corruption, remains a testament to his talent and dedication to the art of acting.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Son of the South | J.O. Zellner |
| 2020 | Penny Dreadful: City of Angels (TV Series) | Jerome Townsend |
| 2016–2020 | The Blacklist (TV Series) | Dominic Wilkinson | Dom |
| 2019 | 3 Days with Dad | Bob Mills |
| 2019 | Master Maggie (Short) | Brian Dennehy |
| 2019 | Driveways | Del |
| 2018 | Tag | Randy's Father (uncredited) |
| 2018 | The Seagull | Sorin |
| 2018 | The Song of Sway Lake | Hal Sway |
| 2017 | A Very Merry Toy Store (TV Movie) | Joe Haggarty |
| 2017 | Hap and Leonard (TV Series) | Sheriff Valentine Otis |
| 2016 | The Ultimate Legacy (TV Movie) | Gus Caldwell |
| 2015 | Public Morals (TV Series) | Joe Patton |
| 2015 | Knight of Cups | Joseph |
| 2015 | Cocked (TV Movie) | Wade |
| 2013 | The Big C (TV Series) | Dad |
| 2013 | The Challenger Disaster (TV Movie) | Rogers |
| 2012 | The Good Wife (TV Series) | Bucky Stabler |
| 2012 | Kinect Rush: A Disney-Pixar Adventure (Video Game) | Django (voice) |
| 2012 | Twelfth Night | Sir Toby Belch |
| 2011 | The Big Year | Raymond |
| 2011 | Mystery Files (TV Series) | Narrator |
| 2010 | Alleged | Clarence Darrow |
| 2010 | The Next Three Days | George Brennan |
| 2010 | Rizzoli & Isles (TV Series) | Detective Kenny Leahy |
| 2010 | Meet Monica Velour | Pop Pop |
| 2010 | Every Day | Ernie |
| 2010 | Nolan Knows Best (TV Movie) | Phil Nolan |
| 2010 | Carrie Underwood: Temporary Home (Music Video) | Grandfather |
| 2009 | Bunker Hill (TV Movie) | Martin Kelsey |
| 2009 | Rules of Engagement (TV Series) | Roy |
| 2008 | Righteous Kill | Hingis |
| 2008 | Cat City | Harold Vogessor |
| 2008 | 30 Rock (TV Series) | Mickey J |
| 2007 | War Eagle, Arkansas | Pop |
| 2007 | Welcome to Paradise | Bobby Brown |
| 2007 | Masters of Science Fiction (TV Series) | Bedzyk |
| 2007 | Ratatouille (Video Game) | Django (voice) |
| 2007 | Ratatouille | Django (voice) |
| 2007 | Marco Polo (TV Movie) | Kublai Khan |
| 2007 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (TV Series) | Judson Tierney |
| 2006 | Everyone's Hero | Babe Ruth (voice) |
| 2006 | The 4400 (TV Series) | Mitch Baldwin |
| 2006 | 10th & Wolf | Agent Horvath |
| 2006 | The Ultimate Gift | Gus |
| 2005 | Our Fathers (TV Movie) | Father Dominic Spagnolia |
| 2005 | The West Wing (TV Series) | Sen. Rafe Framingham |
| 2005 | The Exonerated (TV Movie) | Gary Gauger |
| 2005 | Assault on Precinct 13 | Sgt. Jasper O'Shea |
| 2004 | Category 6: Day of Destruction (TV Movie) | Andy Goodman |
| 2004 | She Hate Me | Chairman Billy Church |
| 2003 | Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of 'Three's Company' (TV Movie) | Fred Silverman |
| 1998–2003 | Just Shoot Me! (TV Series) | Red Finch |
| 2003 | The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone (TV Movie) | Tom Stone |
| 2003 | The Agency (TV Series) | James Graydon |
| 2003 | The Crooked E: The Unshredded Truth About Enron (TV Movie) | Mr. Blue |
| 1981–2002 | Great Performances (TV Series) | Narrator | Grimmet (story 'The Monument') |
| 2002 | A Season on the Brink (TV Movie) | Bobby Knight |
| 2002 | Animated Tales of the World (TV Series) | The Captain (voice) |
| 2002 | Stolen Summer | Father Kelly |
| 2001 | Three Blind Mice (TV Movie) | Matthew Hope |
| 2001 | Summer Catch | John Schiffner |
| 2001 | Night Visions (TV Series) | Camper Ben (segment "Quiet Please") |
| 2001 | The Fighting Fitzgeralds (TV Series) | Fitzgerald |
| 2001 | Warden of Red Rock (TV Movie) | Sheriff Selwyn Church |
| 2000 | Dish Dogs (Video) | Frost |
| 2000 | Fail Safe (TV Movie) | Gen. Bogan |
| 2000 | American Experience (TV Series) | Aaron Burr (voice) |
| 2000 | Death of a Salesman (TV Movie) | Willy Loman |
| 1999 | Silicon Towers | Tom Warner |
| 1999 | Sirens (TV Movie) | Lt. Denby |
| 1999 | Out of the Cold | David Bards |
| 1999 | Too Rich: The Secret Life of Doris Duke (TV Mini Series) | Louis Bromfield |
| 1999 | NetForce (TV Movie) | Lowell Davidson |
| 1998 | Voyage of Terror (TV Movie) | The President |
| 1998 | Thanks of a Grateful Nation (TV Movie) | Sen. Donald Riegle |
| 1997 | Indefensible: The Truth About Edward Brannigan (TV Movie) | Eddie Brannigan |
| 1996–1997 | Nostromo (TV Mini Series) | Joshua C. Holroyd |
| 1996 | Jack Reed: Death and Vengeance (TV Movie) | Jack Reed |
| 1996 | Romeo + Juliet | Ted Montague |
| 1996 | Undue Influence (TV Movie) | Paul Madriani |
| 1996 | Dead Man's Walk (TV Mini Series) | Major Chevallier |
| 1996 | A Season in Purgatory (TV Mini Series) | Gerald Bradley |
| 1996 | Jack Reed: A Killer Among Us (TV Movie) | Jack Reed |
| 1995 | Shadow of a Doubt (TV Movie) | Charley Sloan |
| 1995 | Jack Reed: One of Our Own (TV Movie) | Sgt. Jack Reed |
| 1995 | The Stars Fell on Henrietta | Big Dave McDermot |
| 1995 | Tommy Boy | Big Tom |
| 1994 | Screen Two (TV Series) | James Boyce |
| 1994 | Jack Reed: A Search for Justice (TV Movie) | Jack Reed |
| 1994 | Leave of Absence (TV Movie) | Sam |
| 1994 | Birdland (TV Series) | Dr. Brian McKenzie |
| 1993 | Murder in the Heartland (TV Mini Series) | John McArthur |
| 1993 | Jack Reed: Badge of Honor (TV Movie) | Sgt. Jack Reed |
| 1993 | Final Appeal (TV Movie) | Perry Sundquist |
| 1993 | Prophet of Evil: The Ervil LeBaron Story (TV Movie) | Ervil LeBaron |
| 1993 | Foreign Affairs (TV Movie) | Chuck Mumpson |
| 1992 | Deadly Matrimony (TV Movie) | Sergeant John Reed |
| 1992 | Teamster Boss: The Jackie Presser Story (TV Movie) | Jackie Presser |
| 1992 | The Diamond Fleece (TV Movie) | Inspector Outlaw |
| 1992 | Gladiator | Jimmy Horn |
| 1992 | The Burden of Proof (TV Mini Series) | Dixon Hartnell |
| 1992 | To Catch a Killer (TV Mini Series) | John Wayne Gacy |
| 1991 | F/X2 | Leo McCarthy |
| 1991 | In Broad Daylight (TV Movie) | Len Rowan |
| 1990 | Presumed Innocent | Raymond Horgan |
| 1990 | Rising Son (TV Movie) | Gus Robinson |
| 1990 | A Killing in a Small Town (TV Movie) | Ed Reivers |
| 1990 | The Last of the Finest | Frank Daly |
| 1989 | Pride and Extreme Prejudice (TV Movie) | Bruno Morenz |
| 1989 | Perfect Witness (TV Movie) | James Falcon |
| 1989 | Georg Elser - Einer aus Deutschland | Wagner |
| 1989 | Indio | Col. Sam Whitaker |
| 1989 | Day One (TV Movie) | Gen. Leslie Groves |
| 1988 | Cocoon: The Return | Walter (uncredited) |
| 1988 | Miles from Home | Frank Roberts Sr. |
| 1988 | Return to Snowy River | Harrison |
| 1988 | A Father's Revenge (TV Movie) | Paul Hobart |
| 1987 | Miami Vice (TV Series) | Reverend Billy Bob Proverb |
| 1987 | Best Seller | Dennis Meechum |
| 1987 | The Lion of Africa (TV Movie) | Sam Marsh |
| 1987 | The Belly of an Architect | Stourley Kracklite |
| 1987 | Faerie Tale Theatre (TV Series) | King Neptune | Narrator (voice) |
| 1986 | Legal Eagles | Cavanaugh |
| 1986 | The Check Is in the Mail... | Richard Jackson |
| 1986 | Acceptable Risks (TV Movie) | Don Sheppard |
| 1986 | F/X | Leo McCarthy |
| 1985 | Evergreen (TV Mini Series) | Matthew Malone |
| 1985 | The Last Place on Earth (TV Mini Series) | Frederick Cook |
| 1985 | Tall Tales & Legends (TV Series) | Buffalo Bill |
| 1985 | Silverado | Cobb |
| 1985 | Cocoon | Walter |
| 1985 | Twice in a Lifetime | Nick |
| 1984 | The Ferret (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1984 | Hunter (TV Series) | Dr. Bolin |
| 1984 | The River Rat | Doc Cole |
| 1984 | Finders Keepers | Mayor Frizzoli (credit only) |
| 1984 | Cagney & Lacey (TV Series) | Michael Magruder |
| 1983 | Gorky Park | Det. William Kirwill |
| 1983 | Never Cry Wolf | Rosie |
| 1983 | Blood Feud (TV Movie) | Edward Grady Partin - Hoffa Aide and Head of Teamsters Local 5, Baton Rouge |
| 1983 | I Take These Men (TV Movie) | Phil Zakarian |
| 1982 | Star of the Family (TV Series) | Leslie 'Buddy' Krebs |
| 1982 | First Blood | Teasle |
| 1982 | Split Image | Kevin Stetson |
| 1982 | BBC2 Playhouse (TV Series) | Grimmet |
| 1982 | Pigs vs. Freaks (TV Movie) | Sergeant Cheever |
| 1981 | Darkroom (TV Series) | Roland |
| 1981 | Dynasty (TV Series) | Jake Dunham |
| 1981 | Skokie (TV Movie) | Police Chief Arthur Buchanan |
| 1981 | Fly Away Home (TV Movie) | Tim |
| 1979–1981 | Big Shamus, Little Shamus (TV Series) | Arnie Sutter |
| 1980 | Knots Landing (TV Series) | James Cargill |
| 1980 | A Rumor of War (TV Mini Series) | Sgt. Ned Coleman |
| 1980 | The Seduction of Miss Leona (TV Movie) | Bliss Dawson |
| 1980 | Little Miss Marker | Herbie |
| 1979 | 10 | Donald |
| 1979 | Butch and Sundance: The Early Days | O.C. Hanks |
| 1979 | Dummy (TV Movie) | Ragoti |
| 1979 | The Jericho Mile (TV Movie) | Dr. D |
| 1979 | Silent Victory: The Kitty O'Neil Story (TV Movie) | Mr. O'Neil |
| 1978 | A Real American Hero (TV Movie) | Buford Pusser |
| 1978 | Pearl (TV Mini Series) | Sgt. Otto Chain |
| 1978 | Foul Play | Fergie |
| 1978 | Dallas (TV Series) | Luther Frick |
| 1978 | F.I.S.T. | Frank Vasko |
| 1978 | A Death in Canaan (TV Movie) | Barney Parsons |
| 1978 | Ruby and Oswald (TV Movie) | George Paulsen |
| 1978 | The Tony Randall Show (TV Series) | Brian Sr. |
| 1977 | Ants! (TV Movie) | Fire Chief |
| 1977 | Semi-Tough | T.J. Lambert |
| 1977 | Looking for Mr. Goodbar | Surgeon |
| 1977 | Lou Grant (TV Series) | Wilson |
| 1977 | The Fitzpatricks (TV Series) | Coach Hatfield |
| 1977 | Lucan (TV Series) | Fisher |
| 1977 | Bumpers (TV Movie) | Ernie Stapp |
| 1977 | Handle with Care (TV Movie) | Col. Marvin Richardson |
| 1977 | M*A*S*H (TV Series) | M.P. Ernie Connors |
| 1977 | Police Woman (TV Series) | Burrows |
| 1977 | Lanigan's Rabbi (TV Series) | Burton Tree |
| 1977 | Johnny, We Hardly Knew Ye (TV Movie) | Longshoreman |
| 1977 | Serpico (TV Series) | Jody |
| 1977 | Kojak (TV Series) | Peter Connor |