In the vibrant landscape of character acting, Denis Arndt carved out a distinct niche through his enduring collaborations with noted TV writer and producer, David E. Kelley. Known for his roles in beloved series such as “L.A. Law,” “Picket Fences,” and “Chicago Hope,” Arndt also captured the spotlight on Broadway, earning a Tony nomination at the age of 77 for his portrayal in a play centered on mismatched lovers. His life came to a peaceful conclusion at 86, as he passed in his cabin in Ashland, Oregon, according to a family announcement.
Born in 1939, Arndt’s introduction to the world coincided with the release of “The Wizard of Oz,” a detail his family referenced poetically in his obituary. “That was like Dad’s life,” they remarked. “It began in monochrome and blossomed into a life of color, brilliance, daring adventure and passion. And it was also a little bit trippy, like Oz.”
Denis Arndt’s early career was marked by his service as a Vietnam veteran helicopter pilot, an experience that awarded him the Purple Heart twice. His piloting continued in the icy vistas of Alaska until he transitioned into acting upon relocating to Seattle. There, he honed his craft, spending multiple seasons with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and helping lay the foundation for the Intiman Theatre in Seattle.
His venture into acting in the mid-1980s saw him grace TV screens with roles in “Crime Story” and “Wiseguy.” The 1990s broadened his horizons to film, with a memorable role interrogating Sharon Stone’s character in the thriller “Basic Instinct.”
Arndt’s sole Broadway performance came as a revelation at 77, when he faced off against Mary-Louise Parker in “Heisenberg.” A tale spun by Simon Stephens, the narrative of a chance meeting between a babbling middle-aged New Jersey woman and a bored elder Irish butcher in London captivated audiences. This performance transitioned from an off-Broadway debut in 2015 to Broadway the following year.
In an analysis of the play, critics praised Stephens for his ability to juxtapose new love with seasoned affection, weaving a rich tapestry from the simple premise of two strangers meeting.
On television, Arndt was a frequent collaborator with Kelley, appearing consistently in “L.A. Law” and embodying the role of lawyer Franklin Dell in “Picket Fences” across four seasons. His versatility was further displayed in appearances on series like “Chicago Hope,” “Ally McBeal,” “The Practice,” “Boston Public,” “Boston Legal” and “Mr. Mercedes.”
Beyond these signature roles, Arndt’s diverse television credits include “Providence,” “The Wonder Years,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Life Goes On,” “Herman’s Head,” “Touched by an Angel,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “The Good Fight.”
Arndt’s legacy is carried forward by his loving family, including his wife, Magee, and their children, Scott, Tammy, Laurie, Kirsten, Bryce, McKenna, and Tanner.