It's a sad week in the world of fantasy and science fiction. Dean Stockwell, who appeared in sci-fi classics like Dune, Quantum Leap, and Star Trek, has passed away last Sunday. He was 85 years old.
According to Deadline, a representative for Dean Stockwell's family confirmed that the Battlestar Galactica actor passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, November 7, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Joy Stockwell, and their two children, Austin Stockwell and Sophie Stockwell.
Stockwell was born Robert Dean Stockwell on March 5, 1936, and it is said he was born to be a star. His parents Nina Olivette and Harry Stockwell were also actors and at the age of 10, young Dean made his Broadway debut in Innocent Voyage. This led to a contract with MGM which ensured he would become a successful child actor.
Stockwell's career spanned several decades and he took on numerous roles that displayed his range. However, he is best known for his sci-fi projects including 1984's Dune where he played the doomed Doctor Wellington Yueh. Fans love and remember Stockwell for his role in Quantum Leap opposite Scott Bakula.
He would later reunite with Bakula in Star Trek: Enterprise where he had a guest role. The two clearly enjoyed working together as they collaborated again in an episode of NCIS: New Orleans. Stockwell's final project was the 2015 movie Entertainment, which was directed by Rick Alverson and starred Tye Sheridan and John C. Reilly.
In 2015, Stockwell suffered a stroke and decided to retire from acting. Since then, he has kept himself out of the public eye and spent all his time with his family and friends.
Stockwell's passing is truly sad news but fans will always remember him as the delightful Admiral Al Calavicci in Quantum Leap, who always had the best memories of the past.
Related: Dune Film Left Out The Novel's Game-Changing Plot Twist
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