Richard Dysart, who played Leland McKenzie on L.A. Law and won an Emmy for the role, has died. He was 86.
Dysart died on Sunday at his Santa Monica home, following a long illness, his publicist told the Associated Press, notes USA Today.
The actor began his long career in radio as a teen and transitioned to TV during the early 1950s. His film work includes John Carpenter’s The Thing, Hal Ashby’s Being There and Clint Eastwood’s Pale Rider. He can also be spotted in Back to the Future Part III.
However, his most famous role is McKenzie on NBC’s L.A. Law. The role earned him four consecutive Emmy nominations for Supporting Actor and he finally won in 1992, reports Deadline.
On the stage, Dysart is remember for his role of The Coach in That Championship Season, which earned him the Drama Desk Award in 1972. He was also a founding member of the American Conservatory Theater, which paid tribute to him in a Facebook post.
“Richard was a true actor's actor; we celebrate the life of this incredible talent,” the statement read.