Reports are coming in that Richard Dysart passed away this Sunday at his home in Santa Monica. He was 86-years-old. He is survived by his wife, step-son and grandchildren. Those wishing to do something kind in his memory may make a donation to the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in his name.
During his five decade career in the entertainment business, Richard appeared in a number of horror and science fiction movies, most notably as Dr. Cooper in John Carpenter’s The Thing. His other credits in this field include The Terminal Man (1974), Riding with Death (1976), Prophecy (1979), Meteor (1979), Warning Sign (1985), Back to the Future Part III (1990) and Spawn 3: Ultimate Battle (1999).
He also balanced an extremely noteworthy career in television and film. He’s most known in film for playing the role of Leland McKenzie in “LA Law” from 1986 to 1994, a role in which he won an Emmy Award. His career in film saw characters in tons of Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award and Oscar Award nominated movies including Day of the Locust (1975), The Hindenburg (1975), It Happened One Christmas (1977), Being There (1979), Bitter Harvest (1981), Mask (1985), Malice in Wonderland (1985), Blood & Orchids (1986), The Last Days of Patton (1986), Wall Street (1987), Day One (1989) and Truman (1995),
He was also a cook, open water diver, veteran, writer and founder of the American Conservative Theatre in San Francisco.
All of us here at HorrorSociety.com send our condolensces to his family, friends and fans.
R.I.P. Richard Dysart
March 30, 1929 – April 9, 2015
