Actor Brian Dennehy Dies at 81
Brian Dennehy, the television/film/stage actor best known for his roles in First Blood and Tommy Boy, has died. He was 81.
Law enforcement officials tell TMZ that Dennehy passed away Wednesday night (April 15) from natural causes and that an autopsy won’t be conducted.
Dennehy’s career spanned five decades, beginning in the 1970’s with a number of television appearances on Kojak, Serpico, M*A*S*H and Lou Grant. He would go on to secure a recurring role on Dynasty in 1981.
His film career would feature roles in 10, First Blood, Cocoon and Tommy Boy, where he played Chris Farley’s father.
Dennehy was also an accomplished stage actor winning two Tony Awards for Lead Actor in a Play in 1999 for Death of a Salesman and in 2003 for Long Day’s Journey Into Night. Dennehy was the lead in the 2000 TV film adaptation of Death of a Salesman and would win the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for his performance.
