Our Tribute to Brian Dennehy (1938 – 2020)

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

It was a sad day indeed for fans of all genres as renowned character actor Brian Dennehy passed away on April 15th, 2020. Known to most of you as Chris Farley's dad in TOMMY BOY, Dennehy appeared in everything from F.I.S.T. and FIRST BLOOD with Sylvester Stallone, to COCOON, SILVERADO, and cult classic F/X opposite Bryan Brown. He also starred as Ted Montague in Baz Luhrmann's ROMEO + JULIET and most recently in 2018, director Jeff Tomsic's comedy TAG.

Dennehy was also prolific on the small screen with roles on MASH, DYNASTY, THE WEST WING, 30 ROCK, and THE BLACKLIST. Nominated for six Emmys, Dennehy won a Golden Globe for 2000's DEATH OF A SALESMAN. He also won a Tony for the stage performance of the same play. A former Marine, Dennehy leaves behind five children from two marriages, including actress Elizabeth Dennehy.

Dennehy's passing was confirmed by his agency ICM partners, with the group saying that he has died on Wednesday of natural causes at his home in New Haven, CT.

With so much bad news in circulation as of late, the loss of Dennehy arrives like a swift kick in the heart for those who've enjoyed his talents throughout his acting career and beyond. We here at JoBlo would like to express our most sincere condolences to all who loved Brian, and we wish him safe passage to the Great Hereafter.