It’s been over a year since Brian Dennehy, actor of stage, television and the big screen died April 15, 2020 at the age of 81. In his lifetime this exceptional actor won 2 Tony Awards, received a Golden Globe Award and an Oliver Award plus he was the nominated to six Primetime Emmys. He won numerous other rewards in his career as well. Besides his many TV series and stage appearances, Dennehy had parts in over 180 films. Quite an accomplishment.

Born in America on July 9, 1938 he died of natural causes at his home in Connecticut. He was known for his roles in feature films First Blood and Cocoon. He also landed a part in Dynasty and since his career has included many TV and feature film roles. His career began in high school with a role in Macbeth. He attended Columbia University in New York City, stopping to serve from 1958-1963 in The U.S. Marine Corps. Stationed in the U.S., Japan and Korea, returning to school thereafter., Having married twice, he fathered five children, 3 daughters by his first wife a boy and a girl by his second wife.

Before landing a small role on Kojak when he was forty he had acted in theatre and worked a number of jobs, including a motel clerk, waiter, bartender and as a truck driver, It was after his role in Kojak that he realized his affinity for acting and he pursued his acting career, playing alongside many big names including Sylvester Stalone and Chris Farley. He is well remembered for his role in Death of a Salesman in 1999 and Long Day’s Journey Into Night in 2003

In his lifetime he had roles in many big-screen feature movies and made for TV films. These included the lists below and many more.:

Big Screen Movies

Looking For Mr. Goodbar
F.I.S.T.
10
First Blood
Never Cry Wolf
Gorky Park
Silverado
F/X
Legal Eagles
Cocoon
Gladiator
Tommy Boy
Three Days With Dad

Made for TV movies

Bumpers
A Real American Hero
A Death In Canaan
Skokie
Blood Feud
The Lion Of Africa
To Catch A Killer
Murder In The Heartland
Shadow Of A Doubt
Death Of A Salesman
Marco Polo
The Challenger
A Very Merry Toy Story

Television series appearances were many also. Here is a short-list of those appearances:

Kojack
Serpico
M*A*S*H
Dallas
Dynasty
Star Of The Family
Evergreen
The Fighting Fitzgeralds
Just Shoot Me
The West Wing
Public Morals
The Black List

His daughter Elizabeth wrote of his death “ Larger than life, generous to a fault, a proud and devoted father and grandfather, he will be missed by his wife Jennifer, family and many friends.”
Dennehy was well-liked, well known and leaves a void in many hearts at his passing. One simply needs to watch one of the many productions he was a part of, whether TV series, made for TV movie or Big Screen entertainment, to remember his impact upon our lives and hearts. He leaves behind a legacy of a well-loved actor and friend to be remembered well.