6. Dennehy showed no mercy as Sheriff Cobb in ‘Silverado’
Though he showed up in a lot of crime-related films, Dennehy became a celebrated character actor. Each time he took up a new role, he breathed new life into that individual. That’s the case with Sheriff Cobb of Silverado.
Even when he provided opportunities, Cobb found ways to interfere and make everything feel more foreboding. Brian Dennehy was just the man for capturing that intimidating presence that could change everything in the blink of an eye.
7. ‘F/X’ or ‘Murder By Illusion’ had everyone on the edge of their seats
Once again, Brian Dennehy found himself working a murder case. In this instance, it involved the death of a woman named Ellen and a sniper. And Dennehy was cast as Manhattan homicide detective Leo McCarthy.
For this 1986 drama, Dennehy portrays a reckless and determined man. He is determined to do his job, though his methods can be unorthodox and get him in trouble. Nevertheless, he is an important part to this film that put a lot of love and care into every aspect – not just cast, but also score and composition.
8. ‘Ratatouille’ offers a change of pace among Brian Dennehy’s films
Ratatouille came into development back in 2000 and released seven years later. It boasts fun animation, tantalizing foods, a creative plot, and a talented cast.
It may be surprising to see the likes of Brian Dennehy in this cast list, but he fits remarkably well. By this point, he’s established himself as a reliable, serious presence who can pull off a wide range of characters. In Ratatouille, he is Django, leader of the main character Remy’s little clan of mice. He’s also Remy’s father. Django has to navigate being a supportive father figure, a leader and a pragmatist. His personality is a great foil to Remy’s wild optimism and dreams. Even without being physically present, Dennehy is able to deliver with his voice alone.
9. ‘Tommy Boy’ stands out as a cult classic and break into comedy
Tommy Boy (1995) got mixed reviews by critics but became an odd favorite. This film marked the first of many more that Peter Segal worked on with former Saturday Night Live peers. It also stands out as one of the lighter movies Brian Dennehy lent his talent to.
The result is a wild, comedic, meaningful ride following one immature man’s journey to friendship and self-respect. But Dennehy did not play this man. Rather, he played his father, Thomas “Big Tom” Callahan Jr. He initiates some big moments in the film by giving his son, Tommy, a job with Callahan Auto to keep up his industrialist trends. The premise is a lot less violent than other entries on this list and shows one of Dennehy’s most famous roles.
10. ‘The Belly of an Architect’ was special to Dennehy and viewers
When someone is passionate about a project, you can usually tell easily. The Architect is an unusual entry but very powerful and really shows how well Dennehy could perform. He starred as Stourley Kracklite, an American architect who receives an important commission in Rome of all places.
Despite this prestigious assignment, things go south for Dennehy’s character, exponentially so. His physical and mental health deteriorate alongside his marriage and certainty from his Italian peers who don’t believe Kracklite should fulfill the task. The role required someone with range and depth, so who better than Brian Dennehy?