Veteran actor Bruce French, known for his imposing presence on stage and screen spanning over five decades, passed away on February 7, 2025, in Los Angeles, California, due to Alzheimer’s disease-related complications. He was 79. His wife, actress Eileen Barnett, known for her role on “Days of Our Lives,” confirmed his death to The Hollywood Reporter.
French’s most memorable television character was Father Lonigan, a blind priest with a supernatural gift, on NBC’s “Passions.” His participation in over 400 episodes from 1999 to 2008 during the show’s nine-season run made French an integral part of the series. His character’s encounters with the malevolent Alistair Crane established Father Lonigan as the moral guide of the fictional New England town, Harmony.
French was born on July 4, 1945, in Reinbeck, Iowa. His acting journey started at the University of Iowa, where he specialized in speech and theater. After his service in the Vietnam War, he followed his passion for the performing arts, amassing over 150 acting credits across television, film, and theater.
French was a consistent presence on television, especially in David E. Kelley’s productions. He was featured in “L.A. Law,” “Picket Fences,” “Ally McBeal,” “The Practice,” “Boston Public,” and “Boston Legal.” His acting skills extended to other acclaimed series like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Criminal Minds,” “Mad Men,” “Gilmore Girls,” “House,” “The West Wing,” “Night Court,” “Cheers,” and “Moonlighting.”
Science fiction enthusiasts admired French’s multiple roles in the “Star Trek” franchise. His ability to adapt to the requirements of the genre while offering solid, authentic performances made him popular among fans. French was seen in “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Voyager,” and “Enterprise,” as well as the 1998 movie “Star Trek: Insurrection.”
French’s film career covered decades and various genres, with noteworthy parts in “Coming Home,” “Christine,” “Mr. Mom,” “Fletch,” “Murphy’s Romance,” “Wildcats,” “Jurassic Park III,” “Mr. Deeds,” “Thank You for Smoking,” “Beginners,” and “Beautiful Boy.”
Frequently cast as men of faith, French even carried his priest’s clerical collar to auditions. “He owned that priest’s collar and would take it with him on auditions,” Barnett disclosed.
The stage remained an artistic refuge for French throughout his career. His portrayal of Andrew Crocker-Harris in Terence Rattigan’s “The Browning Version” at Pacific Resident Theater earned him the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award and an Ovation Award for Lead Actor in 2010.
His interpretation of Lucky in “Waiting for Godot,” later archived for KCET’s “Theater in America,” is considered one of his best performances.
Beyond acting, French directed “Man of La Mancha” as the premiere production at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza in California. His contributions to theater showcased a thorough understanding of stagecraft and production, further reinforcing his status as a versatile talent.
Actor and friend Barry Cutler shared fond memories of Bruce French, recalling their initial meeting in the late 1970s while working on a stage adaptation of “A Christmas Carol.” According to Cutler, French felt like a long-lost best friend from the beginning. Their friendship deepened after French gifted him a whimsical Scrooge mug on opening night.
French welcomed Cutler into his home for dinners, introduced him to his close-knit group of friends, and eventually to his wife. The two often brainstormed screenplay ideas until French admitted that he had stopped buying books on screenplay writing, deciding to spend his time reading something more substantial.
French was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2021. Despite his health challenges, he upheld his reputation for professionalism and commitment to his craft. His marriage to Barnett had its own romantic narrative—they reconnected and wedded 25 years after their first meeting at the University of Iowa, forming a bond that endured for 34 years until his demise.
He is survived by Barnett and their cherished dogs. French leaves a rich legacy in theater, film, and television, being remembered by colleagues and fans for his nuanced performances, profound understanding of character, and unwavering dedication to his craft.