'He wouldn't have had it any other way': Basic Instinct star's family shares heartbreaking loss
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The entertainment world has lost another of its stars.
For those who remember the gripping '90s, it's a loss that hits close to home.
Denis Arndt, the seasoned actor who played a pivotal role in the 1992 thriller film Basic Instinct, has passed away.
Denis Arndt's family paid a touching tribute to the 86-year-old actor who brought so much to the screen and stage.
His family announced his peaceful passing in an online obituary.
'It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of our dad, Denis Leroy Arndt,' the obituary prefaced.
'He died peacefully in his bed in his beloved cabin home of almost 50 years in Ashland, Oregon; he wouldn't have had it any other way.'
The actor is survived by his wife of 45 years, Magee Downey, and their three children—Bryce, McKenna, and Tanner—as well as four other children from a previous marriage.
Denis Arndt's acting journey began in 1974 after serving in the Vietnam War.
His first role in The Magical World of Disney marked the start of a career that would span decades.
However, his portrayal of Lieutenant Phillip Walker in Basic Instinct has been etched in people's memories.
The scene featured Arndt in a tense and memorable scene opposite the leading actress, Sharon Stone.
The film later on became a cultural phenomenon.
Before his acting career took off, Denis Arndt served as a United States Army helicopter pilot.
He earned a Purple Heart and Commendation Medal for his service.
His life after the war was equally adventurous, as he flew helicopters in Alaska before pursuing a degree at the University of Washington.
His love for the stage led him to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, where he completed 15 seasons and became a charter member of the Intiman Theatre in Seattle.
Denis Arndt's acting prowess went beyond the silver screen.
He shone brightly on stage as he played Alex Priest in a stage production of Heisenberg.
His performances at both the Manhattan Theatre Club and Samuel J Friedman Theatre on Broadway earned him a 2017 Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Play.
His final role was in the 2023 short drama Do Over, where he appeared alongside Melanie Hutsell.
Watch his famed scene with Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct here:
Source: Studio Canal UK/YouTube
Despite his passing, his family's tribute reminds us of the indelible mark he left on the world.
'In his own way, Dad lived his life as a full and generous performance, known for his incredible wit, charm, rebel spirit, irreverence, sense of humour, grittiness, and passion for his art,' his obituary further read.
'His legacy, both on and off stage, will live on in the hearts of family, friends, and community members.'
As his family poignantly put it, 'As the final curtain falls, we bid farewell to our Dad, knowing he has earned a standing ovation for the remarkable life he led.'
May Denis Arndt rest in peace.
For those who remember the gripping '90s, it's a loss that hits close to home.
Denis Arndt, the seasoned actor who played a pivotal role in the 1992 thriller film Basic Instinct, has passed away.
Denis Arndt's family paid a touching tribute to the 86-year-old actor who brought so much to the screen and stage.
His family announced his peaceful passing in an online obituary.
'It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of our dad, Denis Leroy Arndt,' the obituary prefaced.
Denis Arndt has appeared in over 80 shows and movies during his career. Image Credit: IMdB
'He died peacefully in his bed in his beloved cabin home of almost 50 years in Ashland, Oregon; he wouldn't have had it any other way.'
The actor is survived by his wife of 45 years, Magee Downey, and their three children—Bryce, McKenna, and Tanner—as well as four other children from a previous marriage.
Denis Arndt's acting journey began in 1974 after serving in the Vietnam War.
His first role in The Magical World of Disney marked the start of a career that would span decades.
However, his portrayal of Lieutenant Phillip Walker in Basic Instinct has been etched in people's memories.
The scene featured Arndt in a tense and memorable scene opposite the leading actress, Sharon Stone.
The film later on became a cultural phenomenon.
Before his acting career took off, Denis Arndt served as a United States Army helicopter pilot.
He earned a Purple Heart and Commendation Medal for his service.
His life after the war was equally adventurous, as he flew helicopters in Alaska before pursuing a degree at the University of Washington.
His love for the stage led him to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, where he completed 15 seasons and became a charter member of the Intiman Theatre in Seattle.
Denis Arndt's acting prowess went beyond the silver screen.
He shone brightly on stage as he played Alex Priest in a stage production of Heisenberg.
His performances at both the Manhattan Theatre Club and Samuel J Friedman Theatre on Broadway earned him a 2017 Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Play.
His final role was in the 2023 short drama Do Over, where he appeared alongside Melanie Hutsell.
Watch his famed scene with Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct here:
Source: Studio Canal UK/YouTube
Despite his passing, his family's tribute reminds us of the indelible mark he left on the world.
'In his own way, Dad lived his life as a full and generous performance, known for his incredible wit, charm, rebel spirit, irreverence, sense of humour, grittiness, and passion for his art,' his obituary further read.
'His legacy, both on and off stage, will live on in the hearts of family, friends, and community members.'
May Denis Arndt rest in peace.
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