We recently lost Brian Dennehy, and I thought it apropos to make a list of my upper most favorite films and shows he was in. I had seen him in shows and films in the 70’s. But, it was in 1980 when I became a fan.
Through the highs and lows of his life and career, Dennehy was always a pro, and never delivered a less than stellar performance.
10. Best Seller
A neo noir crime thriller starring Dennehy and James Woods—two of my favorite actors of all time—I loved the mix of humor with the classic thriller. Dennehy is a decorated police detective turned crime author, having written a book about a heist that made his career, a heist where he first met Woods’ character. Wood approaches Dennehy about a team up to write about his personal history as a hired assassin. Like many frienemy films, the chemistry between Woods and Dennehy really sells this film.
9. Gladiator (1992)
Dennehy was not just good at playing the heroes, he made his career playing heavies, aka bad guys. In this film he plays a brutal boxing promoter for underground boxing. This film is a fun flick, not very serious. But, if you like fight films, this will make for a good watch.
8. Presumed Innocent
Dennehy plays a lesser role in this film, as Raymond Horgan, a duplicitous and ambitious District Attorney who allows one of his lawyers, Rusty (Harrison Ford) to be investigated and tried as the suspect in the murder of another attorney in the DA’s office.
7. Tommy Boy
A farcical comedy with heart. Ion the film, Dennehy plays Chris Farley’s dad, a character that Chris based off his own real life dad. So, there is a very touching aspect to this film.
6. Cocoon
Dennehy plays an alien this time, who offers the humans a special gift if they come with him. I love this film.
5. F/X 2
Dennehy and Brown return, as Brown’s character, a special effects expert, helps his girlfriend’s ex, a cop, with a sting operation, however this cop gets killed. Something’s off and Brown asks for help from his ex-cop now private investigator friend; Dennehy.
4. F/X
In this film, Dennehy once again plays to his strength as a police detective, who first hunts and then helps a movie special effects master, played by Bryon Brown, who claims his innocence after he was hired to fake a real-life mob killing of a witness in protective custody.
3. First Blood
This was the movie that put Dennehy on the map, playing the jackass town sheriff, Will Teasle, who just keeps hassling a Vietnam War Veteran loner, Sylvester Stallone. Lots of action and violence. I don’t need to tell you how fantastic this film is. I would be shocked if anyone reading this hadn’t seen it. If you have not seen this film, all I have to ask is, “What the hell is wrong with you?”
2. Silverado
Dennehy once again takes on the role of both town sheriff and villain, as he takes on a misfit bunch of friends who come together to fight injustice in a small western town.
1. A Rumor of War
I had seen Dennehy before this mini series, but, I became a fan because of this show. This film is the personal memories of Philip Caputo, about his experiences in the Vietnam War. Dennehy plays Platoon Sergeant Ned Coleman, who looks out for Caputo, who was just assigned as Platoon Leader, and mentors him on leading his men and surviving in combat.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
In Broad Daylight
Based on the real incident in Skidmore, Missouri, and the controversial shooting of town bully Ken McElroy in the middle of downtown, in broad daylight, and in front of multiple witnesses who later said they didn’t see who shot him. Dennehy plays the character based on McElroy, and he again nails it as a menacing bad guy.
Just Shoot Me!
Easily one of my favorite shows of the late 90’s/early 2000’s, right after News Radio. Dennehy took on the role of Finch’s father, Red. The scenes between David Spade and Dennehy were some of my favorite in the series. It was such a fan favorite, Dennehy returned to reprise the role on the show several times.