Dean Stockwell, best known for his role on the TV seriesQuantum Leap, has died at 85.
Stockwell, whose birth name was Robert Dean Stockwell, was born into the world of acting. A native to Los Angeles, his parents, Nina Olivette and Harry Stockwell, were also actors. He made his Broadway and film debut before the age of 10, signing with MGM for a several-picture deal in 1945.
Stockwell held over 200 credits in his career, which spanned over seven decades. Along with the cult classic sci-fi seriesQuantum Leap, Stockwell is also known for his role inDavid Lynch’sBlue Velvet. As Ben, Stockwell’s role balanced well withDennis Hopper’s more outlandishly creepy, more signature Lynchian character Frank Booth. Stockwell also worked with Lynch on the director’s adaptation ofDune, inhabiting the role of Dr. Yueh, and starred in the TV reboot ofBattlestar Galacticaas Number One.
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However, it is his role as Admiral ‘Al’ Calavicci inQuantum Leapfor which Stockwell is best known. His boisterous, humourous portrayal of Al proved to be an apt foil forScott Bakula’s body-leaping Dr. Scott Beckett. In the series, Al guided Beckett through many quantum leaps into various different bodies ranging in place and time. The series spanned genres, incorporating sci-fi, historical drama, comedy, and social commentary. Within such an expansive series, Stockwell’s portrayal of Al proved to be a stabilizing force, giving a center to an ever-shifting show.Quantum Leapran from 1989 through 1993. However, two former co-stars would reunite later onStar Trek: Enterprise, where Stockwell made an appearance in the first season of the series on the episode “Detained,” which aired in 2002.
In 1992, Stockwell received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His career was marked by many award nominations, including several forQuantum Leap, but much of his work, consisting of many outstanding supporting roles, is only now coming to be appreciated.
In 2015, Stockwell retired from acting. After retirement, he began making and exhibiting his own art. He is survived by his wife, Joy Stockwell, and his two children, Sophie and Austin Stockwell. Our condolences go out to his family and friends in the wake of their loss.
