Dennis Franz - Archive Interview Part 1 of 5

5-part (each 30-minute segment is posted separately) oral history interview, actor Dennis Franz talks about breaking into theater, including his work as a regular member of the Organic Theater Company in Chicago in the early 1970s. He describes acting in several films of Robert Altman and Brian DePalma. He speaks about his work on 'Hill Street Blues' and discusses the short-lived baseball comedy-drama series 'Bay City Blues', its subsequent cancellation, and his return to 'Hill Street Blues' as another character. He comments on the spin-off series 'Beverly Hills Buntz', which was twice reworked. He speaks in great detail about the role for which he is most associated "Andy Sipowicz" (by Franz's count his 28th role as a cop) on 'NYPD Blue': his suggestions for his character, his reaction to the nudity and violence on the show, what he felt distinguished the show from other cop shows, working with writer-producer David Milch, and working with the many ensemble actors.

For all segments visit channel playlists or go to http://tvinterviewsarchive.blogspot.com

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• archive
• american
• television
• interview
• emmy
• tv
• legends
• history

[nwtrucker38]

I too have been a huge fan of Dennis since I was young when my mother used to let me stay up and watch Hill St. Superb actor and a down to earth guy as well. Great post, thank you.

[DrHoldowicz]

Fantastic set of interviews, unrivalled for depth and detail.

I first became a fan of Dennis Franz when he played the seedy Det Norman Buntz in Hill St Blues, then noticed him in re-runs of older movies, and then of course, NYPD BLUE..

I was enthralled through every minute of these interviews.

Great work.

[isamat21]

Excuse me. Does anyone know if he ever married? Cheers.

[Zilgisgit]

Looking for Mr. Franz. NYPDBlue is still well worth watching, and I still turn to it for the best TV of its kind.

[thebsharps1]

Where are you now Dennis? Formally OTJ. Miss you.

[GREGMCKEE]

Actually, I remember Dennis Franz in his portrayal as Detective Sal Benedetto in a few episodes of HSB when he beats up Renko for giving him a parking ticket...Bobby Hill subsequently whips the crap out of Benedetto. I remember watching that and taking every swing with Michael Warren as he settled the score!

[glenzo2]

@dal4018 such a great episode.

[kamelion7]

What a down to Earth bloke He seems to be. Loved Him as Toomey in 'Psycho II' - One of me all time favourite films

[jmstudio]

Andy Sipiwicz played by Dennis Franz was one of the best characters in television history. I can remember so many Tuesday nights, after the show, being overwhelmed by what I had just experienced. The death of Booby, Andy JR... his battle with the bottle. Franz took the writers work and breathed an amazing portrait into it.

[dal4018]

I remember him doing a scene with James McDaniels on NYPD Blue when both of them were at Sylvia's restaurant in Harlem and he was looking around for an avenue of escape

[bshaun2]

Hill Street blues man,,he was a badass

[danlc95]

Dennis Franz is such a talented actor. Thank you for posting!