Acclaimed Stage and Screen Star Brian Dennehy Passes Away at 81

Renowned actor Brian Dennehy, whose impressive career spanned over four decades, has passed away at the age of 81. Dennehy, who was known for his bulldog build, good-guy demeanor, and no-nonsense approach, died on November 15, 2025, of natural causes in New Haven, Connecticut.

Dennehy's acting career was marked by a diverse array of memorable roles across film, television, and theater. He was particularly acclaimed for his performances as the sheriff in the 1982 film First Blood and the district attorney in the 1990 Harrison Ford-starrer Presumed Innocent. Dennehy also won two Tony Awards, in 1999 and 2003, for his portrayals of Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman and James Tyrone in Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey Into Night.

Despite his imposing physical presence, Dennehy was also known for his ability to play gentle, sympathetic characters, such as the bartender in the 1979 film 10 and the friendly alien leader in the 1985 movie Cocoon. His versatility and talent earned him widespread critical acclaim and a legion of devoted fans throughout his illustrious career.