It was reported earlier today that Dean Stockwell had sadly passed away due to natural causes at the age of 85. Stockwell had plenty of credits to his name, but for most of us, he was Al, best friend of Dr. Sam Beckett on Quantum Leap. Scott Bakula played Dr. Beckett on Quantum Leap and the actor took to Instagram to pay tribute to his friend Dean Stockwell, who he says made him a better human being.
I met Dean at his audition for Quantum Leap in 1988. He had agreed to ‘read’ for the Network, I was already cast. We connected immediately and my career and my life were changed that day in Brandon Tartikoff’s office. How lucky were we to get him? A few months later he would be nominated for an Academy Award for his role in Married to the Mob, but he was stuck with us. Serendipity? All I know is, he never tried to get out or complain, he loved the role and the show and the rest was history.
Scott Bakula continued. “He became a dear friend and a mentor and we grew very close over the next five, very intense years. Dean was such a passionate man…about life, his work, his art (he was an amazing artist!), his family, all kinds of causes, people, music, the planet, cigars, golf, and on and on! Having been a famous child actor, he had a soft spot for every young actor who came on our set. He was very protective of their rights and safety and always checked in with them to make sure that they were ok. His big hearted response to the kids made all of us take notice and be better guardians ourselves.” Bakula added that Dean Stockwell was always grateful and delighted to have the chance to keep working, in spite of a career that came and went several times over the decades. “The only time he ever complained was when we called him on the golf course and told him we were ready for him to come to work!” Bakula said. “He used to announce his presence on the sound stage (if we hadn’t already caught a whiff of cigar smoke trailing in behind him), with a bellowed, “The fun starts now!” Truer words were never spoken. I loved him dearly and was honored to know him. He made me a better human being…” Nicely said.
Although Dean Stockwell obviously won’t be involved, there have been rumblings of a Quantum Leap reboot. If it happens, I’m sure there will be a nice opportunity to memorize Stockwell.
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