Brian Dennehy death: Tommy Boy and First Blood star dies aged 81

Esteemed actor of stage and screen died on Wednesday of natural causes

Brian Dennehy has died at the age of 81, of natural causes.

His daughter Elizabeth confirmed on Twitter that the actor, who is best known for his roles in First Blood and Tommy Boy, passed away in Connecticut on Wednesday.

“It is with heavy hearts we announce that our father, Brian passed away last night from natural causes, not Covid-related,” she wrote.

“Larger than life, generous to a fault, a proud and devoted father and grandfather, he will be missed by his wife Jennifer, family and many friends.”

Dennehy was highly respected for his work in film, TV and theatre, and is widely recognised for portraying the sheriff who pursues Sylvester Stallone’s John Rambo in the iconic 1982 action thriller, and for his turns in Coccoon and Gorky Park.

Across his storied career, he earned a Golden Globe Award and six Primetime Emmy nominations, as well as two Tony Awards for his acclaimed work in Death of a Salesman in 1999 and in Long Day’s Journey Into Night in 2003.

In Chris Farley and David Spade’s beloved comedy Tommy Boy, Dennehy played the role of Big Tom Callahan. He also appeared in films including Presumed Innocent, Silverado and Assault on Prescinct 13.

Dennehy is survived by his wife and five children.