“Basic Instinct,” “Swatt” star Dennis Aldo died at 86
Tony Award-nominated actor Dennis Aldo includes many on-screen roles including “swat” and famous lead roles Sharon Stone’s Interrogation In “basic instincts,” I died. He was 86 years old.
Arndt passed away “peacefully in bed” at his longtime cabin home in Ashland, Oregon on Tuesday, his family announced Obituary Released on Wednesday.
“In his own way, Dad lived his life as a complete and generous performance known for his incredible wit, charm, rebel spirit, profane, humor, grit arrogance and passion for his art,” the Arndt family wrote.
“His legacy lives on both on-stage and off-stage, in the hearts of family, friends and members of the community,” they continued. “He was charming, handsome, present in the moment, spontaneous and magnetic – a true Renaissance man.”
Veteran actor Dennis Arndt passed away at the age of 86. (Getty / Tristar / Courtesy Everett Collection)
Arndt was born on February 23, 1939 in Issaquah, Washington. His family was the same year that the classic film The Wizard of Oz was released and pioneered the use of Technicolor in cinemas.
Hollywood star who passed away in 2025: Photo
“It was like a dad’s life,” his family wrote. “It started in black and white and bloomed in a life of colour, sparkle, bold adventures and passion.”
Arndt served as a US Army helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart twice. After leaving the army, Arndt flew a helicopter in Alaska before moving to Seattle, where he began his acting career after a friend convinced him to audition at a local theatre.
“Of course, Dad has taken a major role,” his family wrote. “And he was amazing. He carried his sparkle, passion and dedication to his second career as an actor, both on stage and on screen.”
“The Arndt family spent multiple seasons at Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Ashland, before embarking on a career in Hollywood.”
Arndt’s family said he had passed away peacefully at his Oregon home. (NOAM ENDS/WIREIMAGE)
The actor made his on-screen debut in the 1974 television film Runaway on Rogue River, and his early television career included guest appearances in The Wonder Years, Murder, She Written, and Life Goes On.
Arndt played her husband Mary Tyler Moore’s A nominal character from the TV series “Annie McGuire” from 1988 to 1989. From 1990 to 1991 he played a recurring role in David E. Kelly’s “LA Law.” Kelly later cast Arndt in many other legal dramas, including “Picket Fence,” “Arimac Beale,” “Practice,” and “Boston Legal.”
“He got a standing ovation for the incredible life he led.”
One of Arndt’s earliest film roles was the 1992 erotic thriller “Basic Instinct.” He portrayed Li inside Philip Walker, one of the investigators who questioned Sharon Stone’s character Trammel in one of the film’s most iconic scenes.
From left: George Zunza, Michael Douglas, Wayne Knight, Dennis Arndt, Chelsea Ross and Sharon Stone in 1992’s “Basic Instincts.” (Tristar/Courtesy Everett Collection)
He appeared in the 1995 drama “How to Make an American Quilt” and the 2001 sports drama “Undisputed.”
In 2003, Arndt starred as a sergeant. Howard from the action thriller film “Swat,” based on the 1970s series of the same name.
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In addition to his appearance on Kelley’s television show, Arndt’s subsequent television production included guest roles “Grey’s Anatomy” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”, “Antique”, “Supernatural”, “Good Battle”.
Arndt was portrayed during his guest appearance on “Gray’s Anatomy.” (via Richard Cartwright/Disney General Entertainment Content Getty Images)
ARNDT’s final on-screen production included a 2018 guest appearance on the 2018 television show How To Away With Murder and a role in the 2023 short film, The Do-Over.
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In his obituary, Arndt’s family wrote that he “reached the pinnacle of his career” when he received Tony Award He was nominated for his performance in 2017 Broadway play “Heisenberg.”
Arndt’s family pointed out that they held private funeral services for the actors, adding, “Instead of flowers, he will require you to grab life with the ball and follow your passion.”
The actor received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in the Broadway play Heisenberg. (Bruce Glikas/Bruce Glikas/Filmmagic)
“When the final curtain fell, we knew that we had said goodbye to our father and won a standing ovation for the amazing life he led,” the death concluded.
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Arndt was survived by his 45-year-old wife, Magee Downey, his seven children, “many grandchildren, great grandchildren,” and his nie.