Richard Dysart, Emmy Winner L.A. Law alum, dies at 86

Emmy Award winner and alum of ‘L.A. Law’ series Richard Dysart passes away at 86.

Richard Dysart the actor who portrayed the role of a senior partner Leland McKenzie in the long running series L.A. Law passed away. Kathryn Jacobi the wife of Richard Dysart broke the news of his death to The Hollywood Reporter.

Dysart passed away on Sunday at his home in Santa Monica after being ill for quite some time. The actor was known for his slick and cranky personality in the NBC drama L.A. Law and it was created by Steven Bochco.

The series remained on air for eight seasons from 1986-1994. Dysart for nominated for an Emmy award due to his role as Leland McKenzie a whopping four times and finally won the trophy in 1992. 

In 2002 during an interview Bochco revealed how Dysart was always meant to be for the part of Leland McKenzie. Bochco described Dysart as an old hippie but when he wore a suit and tie and came out of a closet he was perfect for the part.  

Dysart was one of the few actors to have made an appearance in every single episode of the show L.A. Law and his performance on the show included numerous memorable moments. 

In his early career Dysart mostly played roles as a doctor and some friends even cited he had enough practice to become a real physician. The role of a doctor was extensively played out by Dysart in movies such as The Hospital (1971), Being There (1979), The Thing (1982), The Terminal Man (1974), The Falcon and the Snowman (1985) and Warning Sign (1985).

Dysart was born in Boston in the year 1929 and was part of the US Air Force for a year but then he attended the Emerson College and graduated with a degree in speech communication.