--- name: "Brian Dennehy" canonical: "https://film.one/person/brian-dennehy" fi1m_id: "brian-dennehy" imdb_id: "nm0001133" tmdb_id: 6197 wikidata_id: "Q313545" roles: ["Actor"] born: "9 July 1938" died: "15 April 2020" reviewed_on_fi1m: 7 average_fi1m_score: 81 average_as: "actor" average_over: 7 updated: "2026-10-07T04:39:21.062202+00:00" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Brian Dennehy ## Identity Brian Dennehy - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/brian-dennehy - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** brian-dennehy - **IMDb ID:** nm0001133 - **TMDB ID:** 6197 - **Wikidata ID:** Q313545 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Dennehy, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313545, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001133/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/6197 Actor. Born 9 July 1938 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA. Died 15 April 2020. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 9 July 1938, Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA - **Died:** 15 April 2020 - **Active:** 1982–2007 - **Also known as:** Brian Mannion Dennehy, 布萊思·丹尼希 - **Average Fi1m score:** 81, as actor, over 7 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 77 (4), 1990s 82 (2), 2000s 91 (1) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 81 to 75 across 5 titles - **Score spread:** 4 at 80+, 3 at 60–79, 0 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 1 of 6 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Drama 5, Action 2, Comedy 2, Crime 2, Mystery 2, Thriller 2 - **Screen time:** 11 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $1,203m across 5 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Dennehy, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313545, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001133/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/6197 ## Streaming the US now - **Disney+:** [*Ratatouille*](https://film.one/film/ratatouille.md) (91), [*Romeo + Juliet*](https://film.one/film/romeo-juliet.md) (82) - **Tubi:** [*Presumed Innocent*](https://film.one/film/presumed-innocent.md) (82) - **The Roku Channel:** [*Never Cry Wolf*](https://film.one/film/never-cry-wolf.md) (79) - **Amazon Prime Video:** [*First Blood*](https://film.one/film/first-blood.md) (74) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Brian Dennehy > Brian Dennehy gave authority figures a physical weight that made them hard to ignore. We rate him as a supporting actor who could hold his ground beside a star; the familiar tough-guy casting did not exhaust what he could do. In *Presumed Innocent* (1990), Brian Dennehy's Raymond Horgan gives Harrison Ford's Rusty Sabich someone substantial to share the film with. Alan J. Pakula lets that presence count, while Raúl Juliá supplies a quieter authority as Sandy Stern. We enjoyed Dennehy's scenes because Horgan remains worth watching even when he has legal information to deliver. He makes a supporting part feel necessary without making it feel like a claim on the lead. The screen breakthrough was Sheriff Will Teasle in *First Blood* (1982), and the imposing authority figure became familiar employment. Those early tough-guy parts used his physical presence, but often restricted what he was asked to do. *The Belly of an Architect* (1987), with Dennehy leading as Stourley Kracklite, offered a less usual opportunity. His work with stage director Robert Falls belongs to a substantial theatre career, particularly in Eugene O'Neill and Arthur Miller. He played Willy Loman in the 1999 revival of *Death of a Salesman*, taking on the demanding tragic work that became central to his stage reputation. That does not make every screen performance better by association. It does make the recurring sheriffs and enforcers look like a restricted use of an actor whose size could suggest vulnerability as well as menace. The supporting work also took him to comedy as Thomas 'Big Tom' Callahan in *Tommy Boy* (1995), then to Ted Montague in Baz Luhrmann's *Romeo + Juliet* (1996). We recommend the latter for its moving romance, despite the noisy interruptions. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes make the modern setting and Shakespeare's words belong together; Dennehy is part of a film whose chief pleasure lies with its young leads. We would still start with Horgan rather than a more conspicuous part. *Presumed Innocent* can grow too solemn, but Dennehy is one reason its people remain interesting while the mystery does its work. Alongside Juliá and Bonnie Bedelia as Barbara Sabich, he gives Pakula more to work with than Ford's uncertainty alone. Watch it for the actors even if courtroom puzzles are not usually the attraction. ## Biography Brian Dennehy was an American actor known for his work in film, television and theatre. He was born Brian Manion Dennehy on 9 July 1938 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and died on 15 April 2020. Dennehy appeared as Ted Montague in *Romeo + Juliet* (1996) and as Raymond Horgan in *Presumed Innocent* (1990). Other film roles include Sheriff Will Teasle in *First Blood* (1982), Walter in *Cocoon* (1985) and the voice of Django in *Ratatouille* (2007). He also featured in *The Blacklist* (2013) as Dominic Wilkinson. On stage, Dennehy won two Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Play, for *Death of a Salesman* (1999) and *Long Day's Journey into Night* (2003). He received six Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his television work. *Sources: imdb.com, en.wikipedia.org.* ## On Fi1m (7) - *Ratatouille* (2007), Fi1m 91, as Django (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/ratatouille.md) - *Romeo + Juliet* (1996), Fi1m 82, as Ted Montague — [page](https://film.one/film/romeo-juliet.md) - *Presumed Innocent* (1990), Fi1m 82, as Raymond Horgan — [page](https://film.one/film/presumed-innocent.md) - *Cocoon* (1985), Fi1m 75, as Walter — [page](https://film.one/film/cocoon.md) - *Never Cry Wolf* (1983), Fi1m 79, as Rosie — [page](https://film.one/film/never-cry-wolf.md) - *Cagney & Lacey* (1982), Fi1m 81, as Michael Magruder — [page](https://film.one/tv/cagney-and-lacey.md) - *First Blood* (1982), Fi1m 74, as Hope Sheriff Will Teasle — [page](https://film.one/film/first-blood.md) ## Complete filmography (196) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *Son of the South* (2021), as Grandfather - *Driveways* (2020), as Del - *Penny Dreadful: City of Angels* (2020), series, as Jerome Townsend - *3 Days with Dad* (2019), as Bob - *The Song of Sway Lake* (2019), as Hal Sway - *Tag* (2018), as Mr. Cilliano - *The Seagull* (2018), as Pjotr Sorin - *A Very Merry Toy Store* (2017), as Joe Haggarty - *Hap and Leonard* (2016), series, as Sheriff Valentine Otis - *The Ultimate Legacy* (2015), as Gus - *Knight of Cups* (2015), as Joseph - *Public Morals* (2015), series, as Joe Patton - *Cocked* (2015), series, as Wade - *The Blacklist* (2013), series, as Dominic Wilkinson · In Memory Of — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-blacklist.md) - *The Challenger Disaster* (2013), as Rogers - *Twelfth Night* (2012), as Sir Toby Belch - *The Big Year* (2011), as Raymond Harris - *The Next Three Days* (2010), as George Brennan - *Alleged* (2010), as Clarence Darrow - *The Big C* (2010), series, as Dad - *Caesar and Otto meet Dracula’s Lawyer* (2010), as Steve Dracula’s More Famous Brother - *Rizzoli & Isles* (2010), series, as Ret. Det. Kenny Leahy - *Meet Monica Velour* (2010), as Pop Pop - *Every Day* (2010), as Ernie - *Bunker Hill* (2009), as Martin 'Mutt' Kelsey - *The Good Wife* (2009), series, as Bucky Stabler — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-good-wife.md) - *Lost Road of the Popes: Via Papale* (2009), as Narrator - *Love and Valor* (2009), as Narrator (voice) - *Righteous Kill* (2008), as Hingis - *Cat City* (2008), as Harold - *War Eagle, Arkansas* (2007), as Pop, Enochs Father - *Welcome to Paradise* (2007), as Bobby Brown - *Masters of Science Fiction* (2007), series, as Bedzyk - *Ratatouille* (2007), as Django (voice) — Fi1m 91, [page](https://film.one/film/ratatouille.md) - *Andrew Jackson: Good, Evil & The Presidency* (2007), as Andrew Jackson (voice) - *Marco Polo* (2007), as Kublai Khan - *Marco Polo* (2007), series, as Kublai Khan - *The Ultimate Gift* (2007), as Gus - *Rules of Engagement* (2007), series, as Roy - *30 Rock* (2006), series, as Mickey J — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/30-rock.md) - *Everyone's Hero* (2006), as Babe Ruth (voice) - *The Exonerated* (2006), as Gary Gauger - *10th & Wolf* (2006), as Agent Horvath - *Our Fathers* (2005), as Father Dominic Spagnolia - *Assault on Precinct 13* (2005), as Sargeant Jasper O'Shea - *Category 6: Day of Destruction* (2004), as Andy Goodman - *Category 6: Day of Destruction* (2004), series, as Andy Goodman - *She Hate Me* (2004), as Billy Church - *The 4400* (2004), series, as Mitch Baldwin - *American Valor* (2003), as Narrator - *Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of 'Three's Company'* (2003), as Fred Silverman - *The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone* (2003), as Tom Stone - *The Crooked E: The Unshredded Truth About Enron* (2003), as Mr. Blue - *Making 'The Misfits'* (2002), as Narrator - *Founding Brothers* (2002), series, Actor - *Stolen Summer* (2002), as Father Kelly - *A Season on the Brink* (2002), as Bobby Knight - *Code Yellow: Hospital at Ground Zero* (2002), as Narrator - *Three Blind Mice* (2001), as Matthew Hope · Executive Producer - *The Agency* (2001), series, as James Graydon - *Summer Catch* (2001), as John Schiffner - *Night Visions* (2001), series, as Camper Ben (segment "Quiet, Please") · Director - *Warden of Red Rock* (2001), as Sheriff Selwyn Church · Executive Producer - *The Fighting Fitzgeralds* (2001), series, as Mr. Fitzgerald - *Animated Tales of the World* (2001), series, as Captain (voice) - *Founding Fathers* (2000), series, as George Washington (voice) - *Dish Dogs* (2000), as Frost - *Fail Safe* (2000), as Gen. Bogan - *Death of a Salesman* (2000), as Willy Loman · Executive Producer - *Silicon Towers* (1999), as Tom Warner - *Sirens* (1999), as Lt. Denby - *The West Wing* (1999), series, as Rafe Framingham — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-west-wing.md) - *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* (1999), series, as Judson Tierney - *Out of the Cold* (1999), as David Bards - *Too Rich: The Secret Life of Doris Duke* (1999), series, as Louis Bromfield - *NetForce* (1999), as Lowell Davidson - *Netforce* (1999), series, as Lowell Davidson - *Thanks of a Grateful Nation* (1998), as Sen. Donald Riegle - *Voyage of Terror* (1998), as The President - *Indefensible: The Truth About Edward Brannigan* (1997), as Eddie Brannigan · Director, Executive Producer - *Just Shoot Me!* (1997), series, as Red Finch - *Nostromo* (1997), series, as Joshua C. Holroyd - *Shadow of a Doubt* (1996), as Charley Sloan · Director, Teleplay, Executive Producer - *Jack Reed: Death and Vengeance* (1996), as Jack Reed · Co-Executive Producer, Writer, Director - *Romeo + Juliet* (1996), as Ted Montague — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/romeo-juliet.md) - *Undue Influence* (1996), series, as Paul Madriani - *E! True Hollywood Story* (1996), series, Actor - *Dead Man's Walk* (1996), series, as Major Chevallier - *A Season in Purgatory* (1996), series, as Gerald Bradley - *Jack Reed: A Killer Among Us* (1996), as Jack Reed · Director, Writer - *The Stars Fell on Henrietta* (1995), as Big Dave McDermot - *Jack Reed: One of Our Own* (1995), as Jack Reed · Director, Co-Executive Producer, Writer - *Tommy Boy* (1995), as Thomas 'Big Tom' Callahan - *Midnight Movie* (1994), as James Boyce - *Jack Reed: A Search for Justice* (1994), as Jack Reed · Co-Executive Producer, Writer, Director - *Leave of Absence* (1994), as Sam - *Birdland* (1994), series, as Dr. Brian McKenzie - *Final Appeal* (1993), as Perry Sundquist - *Jack Reed: Badge of Honor* (1993), as Jack Reed · Co-Executive Producer - *Prophet of Evil: The Ervil LeBaron Story* (1993), as Ervil LeBaron - *Murder in the Heartland* (1993), series, as John McArthur - *Foreign Affairs* (1993), as Chuck Mumpson - *Deadly Matrimony* (1992), as Jack Reed - *The Diamond Fleece* (1992), as Inspector Outlaw - *Teamster Boss: The Jackie Presser Story* (1992), as Jackie Presser - *To Catch a Killer* (1992), as John Wayne Gacy - *Gladiator* (1992), as Jimmy Horn - *The Burden of Proof* (1992), series, as Dixon Hartnell - *To Catch a Killer* (1992), series, as John Wayne Gacy - *F/X2* (1991), as Leo McCarthy - *Zebras: Patterns in the Grass* (1991), as Narrator (voice) - *In Broad Daylight* (1991), as Len Rowan - *Presumed Innocent* (1990), as Raymond Horgan — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/presumed-innocent.md) - *Rising Son* (1990), as Gus Robinson - *A Killing in a Small Town* (1990), as Ed Reivers - *The Last of the Finest* (1990), as Frank Daly - *Pride and Extreme Prejudice* (1990), as Bruno Morenz - *Perfect Witness* (1989), as James Falcon - *Seven Minutes* (1989), as Wagner - *Indio* (1989), as Whitaker - *Day One* (1989), as Gen. Leslie Groves - *American Experience* (1988), series, as Aaron Burr (voice) - *Miles from Home* (1988), as Frank Roberts Sr. - *Cocoon: The Return* (1988), as Walter (uncredited) - *The Man From Snowy River II* (1988), as Harrison - *A Father's Revenge* (1988), as Paul Hobart - *Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam* (1987), as (voice) - *Best Seller* (1987), as Dennis Meechum - *The Belly of an Architect* (1987), as Stourley Kracklite - *The Lion of Africa* (1987), as Sam Marsh - *The Little Mermaid* (1987), as King Neptune (Narrator) (voice) - *Annie Oakley* (1986), as Buffalo Bill - *Legal Eagles* (1986), as Cavanaugh - *The Check is in the Mail...* (1986), as Richard Jackson - *Acceptable Risks* (1986), as Don Sheppard - *F/X* (1986), as Lt. Leo McCarthy - *Twice in a Lifetime* (1985), as Nick - *Tall Tales & Legends* (1985), series, as Buffalo Bill - *Silverado* (1985), as Cobb - *Cocoon* (1985), as Walter — Fi1m 75, [page](https://film.one/film/cocoon.md) - *Evergreen* (1985), series, as Matthew Malone - *The Last Place on Earth* (1985), series, as Frederick Cook - *Screen Two* (1985), series, as James Boyce - *The River Rat* (1984), as Doc Cole - *Hunter* (1984), series, as Dr. Bolin - *Miami Vice* (1984), series, as Reverend Billy Bob Proverb — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/miami-vice.md) - *The Pigs vs. The Freaks* (1984), as Sergeant Cheever - *Finders Keepers* (1984), as Frizzoli - *Gorky Park* (1983), as William Kirwill - *Never Cry Wolf* (1983), as Rosie — Fi1m 79, [page](https://film.one/film/never-cry-wolf.md) - *Blood Feud* (1983), series, as Edward Grady Partin - *Blood Feud* (1983), as Edward Grady Partin - *I Take These Men* (1983), as Phil Zakarian - *First Blood* (1982), as Hope Sheriff Will Teasle — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/first-blood.md) - *Split Image* (1982), as Kevin Stetson - *Star of the Family* (1982), series, as Leslie 'Buddy' Krebs - *Faerie Tale Theatre* (1982), series, as King Neptune / Narrator (voice) - *The Man Who Married a French Wife and Other Stories* (1982), as Grimmet - *Cagney & Lacey* (1982), series, as Michael Magruder — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/cagney-and-lacey.md) - *Darkroom* (1981), series, as Roland - *Skokie* (1981), as Police Chief Arthur Buchanan - *Fly Away Home* (1981), as Tim Arnold - *The Girls in Their Summer Dresses and Other Stories* (1981), as Grimmet - *Dynasty* (1981), series, as Jake Dunham - *The Jericho Mile* (1980), as Dr. D - *A Rumor of War* (1980), series, as Sgt. Ned Coleman - *The Seduction of Miss Leona* (1980), as Bliss Dawson - *Little Miss Marker* (1980), as Herbie - *Knots Landing* (1979), series, as James Cargill - *10* (1979), as Donald - *Big Shamus, Little Shamus* (1979), series, as Arnie Sutter - *Butch and Sundance: The Early Days* (1979), as O.C. Hanks - *Dummy* (1979), as Ragoti - *Silent Victory: The Kitty O'Neil Story* (1979), as John O'Neil - *A Real American Hero* (1978), as Buford Pusser - *Pearl* (1978), series, as Sgt. Otto Chain - *Foul Play* (1978), as Fergie - *F.I.S.T.* (1978), as Frank Vasko - *Dallas* (1978), series, as Luther Frick - *A Death in Canaan* (1978), as Barney Parsons - *Ruby and Oswald* (1978), as George Paulsen - *It Happened at Lakewood Manor* (1977), as Fire Chief - *Semi-Tough* (1977), as T.J. Lambert - *Looking for Mr. Goodbar* (1977), as Surgeon - *Lou Grant* (1977), series, as Wilson - *Lucan* (1977), series, as Fisher - *The Fitzpatricks* (1977), series, as Coach Hatfield - *Johnny, We Hardly Knew Ye* (1977), as Longshoreman - *Lanigan's Rabbi* (1977), series, as Burton Tree - *The Tony Randall Show* (1976), series, as Brian Sr. - *Serpico* (1976), series, as Jody - *Police Woman* (1974), series, as Burrows - *Playhouse* (1974), series, as Grimmet - *Kojak* (1973), series, as Peter Connor — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/kojak.md) - *M*A*S*H* (1972), series, as M.P. Ernie Connors — Fi1m 85, [page](https://film.one/tv/m-a-s-h-1972.md) - *Great Performances* (1971), series, as Grimmet ## Gallery - ![Brian Dennehy](https://film.one/media/person/78236/gallery-76b8155b3eff.jpg) Brian Dennehy — Justin Hoch photographing for Hudson Union Society, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b6/BrianDennehyJul2009.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Title: Brian Dennehy, actor, Majestic Theater, N.Y. Creator(s): Gotfryd, Bernard, photographer Date Created/Published: [1988] Medium: 1 photograph : color trans](https://film.one/media/person/78236/gallery-6bd75b791395.jpg) Title: Brian Dennehy, actor, Majestic Theater, N.Y. Creator(s): Gotfryd, Bernard, photographer Date Created/Published: [1988] Medium: 1 photograph : color trans — Gotfryd, Bernard, photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/04/Brian_Dennehy%2C_actor%2C_Majestic_Theater%2C_N.Y._%281%29.jpg/1280px-Brian_Dennehy%2C_actor%2C_Majestic_Theater%2C_N.Y._%281%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Title: Brian Dennehy, actor, Majestic Theater, N.Y. Creator(s): Gotfryd, Bernard, photographer Date Created/Published: [1988] Medium: 1 photograph : color trans](https://film.one/media/person/78236/gallery-71ea32d34d26.jpg) Title: Brian Dennehy, actor, Majestic Theater, N.Y. Creator(s): Gotfryd, Bernard, photographer Date Created/Published: [1988] Medium: 1 photograph : color trans — Gotfryd, Bernard, photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/90/Brian_Dennehy%2C_actor%2C_Majestic_Theater%2C_N.Y.jpg/1280px-Brian_Dennehy%2C_actor%2C_Majestic_Theater%2C_N.Y.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Brian Dennehy, actor, Majestic Theater, N.Y. (1988)](https://film.one/media/person/78236/gallery-b7ea92c5dad0.jpg) Brian Dennehy, actor, Majestic Theater, N.Y. (1988) — Gotfryd, Bernard, photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d0/Brian_Dennehy%2C_actor%2C_Majestic_Theater%2C_N.Y_Original.jpg/1280px-Brian_Dennehy%2C_actor%2C_Majestic_Theater%2C_N.Y_Original.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Brian Dennehy](https://film.one/media/person/78236/gallery-ee27710f4c44.jpg) Brian Dennehy — Image via TMDB - ![Brian Dennehy](https://film.one/media/person/78236/gallery-eedf00e64845.jpg) Brian Dennehy — Image via TMDB - ![Brian Dennehy](https://film.one/media/person/78236/gallery-cd372f47d472.jpg) Brian Dennehy — Image via TMDB - ![Carol Burnett and Brian Dennehy in a production of Love Letters (play) (2014)](https://film.one/media/person/78236/gallery-9307a67fc943.jpg) Carol Burnett and Brian Dennehy in a production of Love Letters (play) (2014) — Dennis115, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/With_Carol_Burnett_Love_Letters.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Brian Dennehy](https://film.one/media/person/78236/gallery-d130c0d12949.jpg) Brian Dennehy — Image via TMDB - ![Brian Dennehy](https://film.one/media/person/78236/gallery-3322df17bd98.jpg) Brian Dennehy — Image via TMDB - ![Brian Dennehy](https://film.one/media/person/78236/gallery-6d49c960321b.jpg) Brian Dennehy — Image via TMDB ## Awards ### Other awards — 2 won - Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play 2003: Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play (won) - Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play 1999: Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play (won) *From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.* --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/brian-dennehy