Soap opera veteran Bruce French has died. The actor who portrayed Father Lonigan on Passions was 79 years old. French was the husband of Days of Our Lives alum Eileen Barnett.
Rest In Peace
The Hollywood Reporter reported that French passed away on Friday in Los Angeles due to complications from Alzheimer’s. He was diagnosed with the disease four years ago. French was born on July 4, 1945, in Reinbeck, Iowa. He earned a degree from the University of Iowa, and he served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Finally, French studied acting at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
On Passions, French portrayed the blind Father Lonigan for the show’s entire nine seasons from 1999 to 2008. On the soap, baddie Alistair Crane (David Bailey; John Reilly) caused the Father to lose his sight.
He began his acting career in 1972 in the off-Broadway play, The Shadow of a Gunman. Two years later, he appeared in the 1974 film Man on a Swing.
During his long career, French wracked up more than 150 credits. He had roles in television shows The Waltons, Soap, Dallas, Family Ties, Hill Street Blues, Moonlighting, Falcon Crest, Cheers, and Designing Women. Additionally, he appeared on Who’s the Boss?, Beverly Hills, 90210, The West Wing, Gilmore Girls, Bones, Mad Men, Eli Stone, and Grey’s Anatomy. You might have seen him on L.A. Law, Ally McBeal, The Practice, Boston Public, and Boston Legal. He was also part of the Star Trek series franchise. He had roles in The Next Generation, Voyager, and Enterprise. In addition, he appeared in 1998’s Star Trek: Insurrection film.
Other films in which French starred include Christine, Mr. Mom, Fletch, Murphy’s Romance, Legal Eagles, Wildcats, Jurassic Park III, Mr. Deeds, Thank You for Smoking, Beginners, and Beautiful Boy.
French is survived by his wife of 34 years, Barnett, and his nieces, Claire and Paula. Soap Hub sends its deepest condolences to French’s family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.
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