Remembering the actor Brian Dennehy

Dennehy’s breakthrough came with his role as Sheriff Will Teasle in the 1982 action film “First Blood,” starring opposite Sylvester Stallone

Remembering the actor Brian Dennehy




Brian Manion Dennehy was born on July 9, 1938, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Raised in a working-class Irish Catholic family, Dennehy developed a love for acting early in life. He attended Columbia University in New York City on a football scholarship, majoring in history before joining the Marine Corps.
After serving five years in the Marine Corps, Dennehy returned to Columbia University, earning his degree and deciding to pursue a career in acting. His early career began with small roles in television and film in the 1970s. He made his film debut in “Semi-Tough” (1977) and appeared in popular TV shows like “Kojak” and “MAS*H.”
Dennehy’s breakthrough came with his role as Sheriff Will Teasle in the 1982 action film “First Blood,” starring opposite Sylvester Stallone. This role showcased his ability to portray complex, authoritative characters and led to a series of notable roles throughout the 1980s.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Brian Dennehy built a diverse and impressive filmography. He appeared in a range of films, including “Gorky Park” (1983), “Cocoon” (1985), “F/X” (1986), and “Presumed Innocent” (1990). His role as Big Tom Callahan in the 1995 comedy “Tommy Boy” endeared him to a new generation of moviegoers.
Dennehy was also a revered stage actor, particularly known for his work in the theater. He won two Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Play: the first in 1999 for his performance as Willy Loman in Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman,” and the second in 2003 for his role in Eugene O’Neill’s “Long Day’s Journey into Night.” His powerful stage presence and ability to convey deep emotional complexity made him a standout in both classic and contemporary theater.
Brian Dennehy was married twice. His first marriage to Judith Scheff ended in divorce, and they had three children: Elizabeth, Kathleen, and Deirdre. He married Jennifer Arnott in 1988, and they had two children: Cormac and Sarah. Dennehy was known for his imposing physical presence and warm personality, which made him a beloved figure both on and off the screen.
Brian Dennehy passed away on April 15, 2020, at the age of 81. He died of cardiac arrest due to sepsis at his home in New Haven, Connecticut. His death was a significant loss to the entertainment world, as he was remembered for his vast contributions to both stage and screen.



Look back at Brian Dennehy starring in his iconic role of Sheriff Will Teasle in the 1982 “First Blood” movie alongside Sylvester Stallone



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