Quantum Leap star Dean Stockwell has passed away aged 85. Deadline reports that the Oscar-nominated star reportedly died at home of natural causes on November 7. During his seven decades-long career Stockwell became a star of small and silver screen, appearing in popular sci-fi series Quantum leap and David Lynch’s science fiction movie Dune.
Stockwell got his start in Hollywood as a child star back in 1945 appearing in movies Anchors Aweigh and Abbott and Costello in Hollywood. He transitioned to adult roles in the 1960’s Sons and Lovers. It was Jonathan Demme’s Married to the Mob however that earned him the most praise. The New York Times reviewer went so far as to say that Stockwell’s performance as Tony ‘The Tiger’ Russo was so good it upstaged the film’s stars, Michelle Pfeiffer and Matthew Modine.
Stockwell was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his work on the film. It’s perhaps Quantum Leap that Stockwell will be best remembered for, which he starred in alongside Scott Bakula. His portrayal of Al Calavicci in the Emmy winning show saw him nominated for numerous awards and regularly features on lists of the best science fiction TV series.
Tributes poured in on social media for the star with fans praising his incredible ability to steal any scene he was in.
The Quantum Leap generation (those of us who would stay up late on Wednesday nights and be WRECKED the next day) will forever remember Dean Stockwell for absolutely killing it in a metallic puffy coat.
Al was a true fashion icon. RIP, sir. pic.twitter.com/xPu2aJHha3
— Geraldine (@everywhereist) November 9, 2021
Rest in Peace Dean Stockwell. 💖 What an amazing actor. He always had a mischevious glint of humor in his eyes. I was honored to work with him in the pilot for "Quantum Leap" at @NBCUniversal along with Scott Bakula. #deanstockwell pic.twitter.com/clTJUvNx54
— Lydia Cornell (@LydiaCornell) November 9, 2021
Sad to read that Dean Stockwell passed away earlier this week. Sad loss. Best remembered as “Al” in Quantum Leap but was a huge actor with a host of great roles to his credit. Rest in peace Dean. pic.twitter.com/Zk3XrndFpy
— Georgia Knight (@Hadrians_Gate) November 9, 2021
R.I.P. Dean Stockwell, a great actor who never met a scene he couldn’t steal. pic.twitter.com/5kGpWzSLo4
— Bilge Ebiri (@BilgeEbiri) November 9, 2021
RIP Dean Stockwell. From Married to the Mob to The Player to Blue Velvet to Quantum Leap and beyond, he was a reliable scene stealer. pic.twitter.com/FK7zFE87Om
— the Joe Griffin (@theJoeGriffin) November 9, 2021
Stockwell is survived by his wife, Joy Stockwell, and their two children, Sophie and Austin.