Acting

The recently departed Brian Dennehy developed a wildly successful career. In life, he earned countless awards. All those awards point to some role or another he took from good to great. He earned a Golden Globe, six Primetime Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, and more. Dennehy has many great titles to his name. But we would like to honor some of his biggest roles in celebration of his career and life. Keep in mind, his resume includes films, TV series, and stage performances. Have you seen some of these titles? Which is your favorite movie of his? 1. Brian Dennehy as Walter in 'Cocoon' Brian Dennehy's character helped propel a lot of the film's premise / IMDb This 1985 sci-fi had all the ingredients for success. It tells the story of several elderly individuals who find themselves rejuvinated by some alien thing. It brings drama, humor, and intrigue in one emotionally-charged ride. RELATED: ‘Tommy Boy,’ Rambo’s ‘First Blood’ Star Brian Dennehy Dies At 81 As Walter, Brian Dennehy plays a pivotal part for the driving force in Cocoon. He played the leader of these alien beings, who hail from Antarea. His will affects the seniors who try to rejuvenate themselves in a pool riddled with strange cocoons. 2. Dennehy showed how 'To Catchy A Killer' 1992 wasn't the first time Dennehy got a starring role in a film. That occasion came in 1987 with Best Seller. In that film, reviewers say Dennehy really carried the promising noir that ultimately fell short. Here, Dennehy and the movie get proper recognition. Brian Dennehy starred alongside Michael Riley in a tale based on the real story of serial killer John Wayne Gacy. Dennehy portrayed the infamous killer, who attracts the attention of detective Lt. Joseph Kozenczak (Riley). Despite appearing as an ordinary businessman, Gacy actually loves the game of cat-and-mouse he plays with the detective. All the while, those around him see Gacy as nothing but respectable. 3. Brian Dennehy in 'Presumed Innocent' Presumed Innocent had a lot of intricate dynamics between characters, including that of Dennehy / FilmAffinity The 1990 legal drama Presumed Innocent has a lot of twists and turns to keep audiences hooked. It also boasts a talented cast to carry it through all the intricate dynamics characters share. Brian Dennehy stood among that impressive cast list and provided an equally excellent performance. Dennehy played district attorney Raymond Horgan. Raymond threw his right-hand man into a tight situation multiple times after the death of a colleague. At the end of the day, he has good and questionable moments. This also makes his character very real, and Dennehy finishes bringing him to life. 4. 'First Blood' was Dennehy's first big break Putting together a list of legendary Brian Dennehy's biggest roles can be difficult. Each time, he brings something new and important to the table. But, looking at his career, First Blood was important for him. Fist Blood (1982) is often considered Dennehy's first big breakthrough role. Actually, this movie establishes a lot of iconic firsts, including action icon, Vietnam War veteran John Rambo. Today, Dennehy is synonymous with the overzealous Sheriff Teasle. But he was not their first choice. At first, producers approached Gene Hackman and Robert Duvall. 5. Dennehy helped bring the 'Gorky Park' novel to life Dennehy has been involved in all sorts of projects, from films to shows, plays, and, with Gorky Park, book adaptations / Rotten Tomatoes If you've noticed a trend, you're not alone. Brian Dennehy got involved in many crime dramas, regardless of subject matter. Sometimes he solved it and other times he caused it. Sometimes, he even did both. Gorky Park the film gets its inspiration from the 1981 book of the same name by Martin Cruz Smith. It follows a series of homicides that take place in the titular Moscow Park. Dennehy's character, William Kirwill, crosses paths with Muscovite investigator Arkady Renko. Kirwill himself is also a detective looking for his missing brother. Read onto the NEXT page for more of Brian Dennehy's best roles... 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 For this film, Brian Dennehy showed the range of characters he was capable of playing, which won him a lot of respect / Rotten Tomatoes 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 The movie Ratatouille marked a change from Dennehy's usual roles and genres, but he nailed the part with his voice alone / EnhanceTV 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?