‘L.A. Law’ actor dies
LOS ANGELES (AP) – Richard Dysart, a veteran stage and screen actor who played senior partner Leland McKenzie in the long-running courtroom drama “L.A. Law,” died after a long illness. He was 86.
Dysart died Sunday at his home in Santa Monica, Calif., according to publicist Jeannine Jacobi.
Dysart’s handsome, commanding presence proved ideal for his casting as head man in the firm of McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney and Kuzak in the 1986-1994 series produced by Steven Bochco.
He won in Emmy for his portrayal.
He created the Broadway role of the Coach in “That Championship Season,” for which he won a Drama Desk Award in 1972, and his many film appearances included Hal Ashby’s “Being There,” Clint Eastwood’s “Pale Rider” and John Carpenter’s “The Thing.”