The Tony Award-Nammine actor Dennis Arandt, whose many onscreen roles starred in “SWAT” and “Basic Instinct” included the famous interrogation of Sharon Stone. He was 86 years old.
Arandt’s death “peacefully in his bed” occurred in his long -time cabin house in Ashnsland, Oregan, his family announced in an obituari published on Wednesday.
“In his own way, Dad lived his life as a complete and generous performance, known for his incredible intelligence, attraction, rebellious spirit, disrespect, feeling of humor, severity and passion for his art,” written by the family of Arrand.
“Their legacy, both and on the closed platform, will remain in the hearts of family, friends and community members,” he continued. “He was attractive, beautiful, present at the moment, spontaneous and magnetic – a true renaissance man.”
Veteran actor Dennis Arandt died at the age of 86. (Getty /Tristar /Recognition Ahead Collection)
Arndt was born on 23 February 1939 in Isaqwa, Washington – which was mentioned by his family that the same year the classic film “The Vizard of Oz” was released and led the use of a technicler in cinema.
Hollywood stars who died in 2025: Photos
“He was like Dad’s life,” his family wrote. “It started in black and white color and blossomed in color, talent, courageous adventure and passion.”
Arndt served as a helicopter pilot of the US Army in the Vietnam War and was awarded Purple Heart twice. After leaving the army, Arrandt flew helicopters in Alaska before going to Seattle, where he started his acting career, when a friend convinced him to audition in a local theater.
“Of course, Dad got the lead role,” his family wrote. “And he was fantastic. He pushed his talent, passion, and dedication as an actor in his second career as both on stage and on screen.”
Arrand’s family said that he spent “several seasons” in Ashland before making a career in Hollywood.

Arrand’s family said that he died peacefully at his Oregon home. (Noam Galai/Wirimage)
The actor made his onscreen debut in the 1974 TV film “Runway on Wicious River” and his early television career included “The Wonder Years,” “Murder, He wrote” and “Life Goose On”.
Arndt played the role of Husband of Mary Tyler Moore’s Tyler Moore in the TV series “Annie McGir” from 1988 to 1989. From 1990 to 1991, David E. Kelly had a recurring role in “La Law”. Kelly later cast Arandt in many of her other legal plays including “picket fans,” Ellie McBel, “The Practice” and “Boston Legal”.
“He has earned a permanent ovation for a remarkable life under his leadership,”
One of Arndt’s initial film roles was in the 1992 erotic thriller “Basic Instinct”. He depicted Lieutenant Philipp Walker, who was one of the investigators who interrogated Sharon Stone’s character Catherine Tramel in one of the most prestigious scenes in the film.

From left: George Dazundza, Michael Douglas, Wayne Night, Dennis Arrand, Chelsea Ross, in 1992 in “Basic Instinct” Sharon Stone. (Tristar /Etiquette Amendment Collection)
He appeared in the 1995 drama “How to Make a American quilt” and 2001 sports drama “undisputed”.
In 2003, Arndt acted as SGT. In “SWAT”, Howard, the action thriller film is based on the 1970s series.
Like what are you reading? Click here for more entertainment news
In addition to his performance at Kelly’s TV shows, the later television work included guest roles in “Gray’s Anatomy,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Missing,” “supernatural” and “The Good Fight”.

Arndt is painted during a guest appearance in the “Anatomy of Gray”. (Richard Cartright/Disney General Entertainment Content through Getty Image)
Arndt’s final onscreen work included the TV show “How to Gate Awa Murder” and a role of 2018 in a role in the 2023 short film “The Do-Over”.
Click here to sign up for entertainment newsletter
In his obitary, Arrand’s family wrote that “he reached the pinnacle of his career” when he received the Tony Award nomination for his performance in Broadway Play “Hyzenberg” in 2017.
Arndt’s family said he would organize a private funeral service for the actor, “In exchange for flowers, he would request you that you will catch life by balls and follow your passion.”

The actor received the Tony Award nomination for his performance in Broadway Play “Hygenberg”. (Bruce Glicus/Bruce Glicus/Filmmazic)
“The last curtain falls, we bid farewell to our father, knowing that he earned a permanent ovation for a remarkable life,” the obligary concluded.
Click here to get Fox News app
Arndt survives 45-year-old wife, Magee Downey, seven of his children and “many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-granddaughters” as well as his niece.