Emmy-nominated actor Alan Rachins from shows LA Law and Dharma & Greg dies at age 82
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The TV screen once again dims as another star joins the skies. Alan Rachins, popularly known for starring in numerous TV shows and films, has passed away from heart failure at age 82.
Rachins began his career in the 1970s, but his rise to stardom came when he played the role of lawyer Douglas Brackman Jr. on LA Law and hippie dad Larry Finkelstein on Dharma & Greg.
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Alan Rachins was often alone growing up.
His first brush with the big screen was upon seeing the movie Rebel Without a Cause. This film is what inspired him to pursue acting to cope with his lonely home life.
After graduating from high school, Rachins enrolled at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, but ended up dropping out. He decided to move to New York to study acting.
Rachins began climbing the celebrity ladder by starring in numerous plays, beginning with Oh! Calcutta and an original Broadway production of After the Rain.
He was also a successful writer and director during his stay at the American Film Institute. Though, he returned to acting by starring as the lead in the independent romantic comedy Always.
In the show he’s most remembered for, LA Law, he played the wealthy, no-nonsense, philandering lawyer Douglas Brackman.
LA Law, co-created by his brother-in-law, also won several Emmys. Rachins appeared in 171 out of 172 episodes.
In 1998, Rachins was nominated for both Emmy and Golden Globe awards for his acting.
Proving his wide range of acting, Rachins starred as a free-spirited father on Dharma & Greg, a far cry from his tough-as-nails act on LA Law.
He was also a fan favorite there, appearing in all episodes from 1997-2002.
Later on, Rachins would play another attorney in the ABC series Eli Stone, reliving his old character Douglas Brackman Jr.
Aside from being talented on-screen, he was also a respected voice actor, providing the voice of Norman Osborn on the animated series The Spectacular Spiderman.
“Alan loved acting, recently making guest appearances in NCIS and Young Sheldon,” said his family. Even into his later years, Rachins kept his passion for acting.
Alan Rachins was also known for appearing on several other TV shows, like The Golden Girls, CSI: Crime Investigation, General Hospital, and Young Sheldon.
With his career spanning decades, Rachins brought love and laughter to the lives of many people.
He also contributed to the industry through his writing and directing, showing a deep passion for entertainment.
As we celebrate his life and works today, let us think back on any memories we might have of Alan Rachins. How did his shows bring light to our lives? Are there lessons we can learn from his love for the limelight?
Rachins began his career in the 1970s, but his rise to stardom came when he played the role of lawyer Douglas Brackman Jr. on LA Law and hippie dad Larry Finkelstein on Dharma & Greg.
Best known for his role as a womanizer lawyer on L.A. Law, Rachins heavily entertained many audiences around the world. Image source: Master Monkey via Facebook.
His first brush with the big screen was upon seeing the movie Rebel Without a Cause. This film is what inspired him to pursue acting to cope with his lonely home life.
After graduating from high school, Rachins enrolled at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, but ended up dropping out. He decided to move to New York to study acting.
Rachins began climbing the celebrity ladder by starring in numerous plays, beginning with Oh! Calcutta and an original Broadway production of After the Rain.
He was also a successful writer and director during his stay at the American Film Institute. Though, he returned to acting by starring as the lead in the independent romantic comedy Always.
In the show he’s most remembered for, LA Law, he played the wealthy, no-nonsense, philandering lawyer Douglas Brackman.
LA Law, co-created by his brother-in-law, also won several Emmys. Rachins appeared in 171 out of 172 episodes.
In 1998, Rachins was nominated for both Emmy and Golden Globe awards for his acting.
Proving his wide range of acting, Rachins starred as a free-spirited father on Dharma & Greg, a far cry from his tough-as-nails act on LA Law.
He was also a fan favorite there, appearing in all episodes from 1997-2002.
Later on, Rachins would play another attorney in the ABC series Eli Stone, reliving his old character Douglas Brackman Jr.
Alan Rachins shone brightly, bringing smiles to viewers’ faces as he fulfilled his roles naturally. Image source: Matthew Taylor via Facebook.
Aside from being talented on-screen, he was also a respected voice actor, providing the voice of Norman Osborn on the animated series The Spectacular Spiderman.
“Alan loved acting, recently making guest appearances in NCIS and Young Sheldon,” said his family. Even into his later years, Rachins kept his passion for acting.
Alan Rachins was also known for appearing on several other TV shows, like The Golden Girls, CSI: Crime Investigation, General Hospital, and Young Sheldon.
With his career spanning decades, Rachins brought love and laughter to the lives of many people.
He also contributed to the industry through his writing and directing, showing a deep passion for entertainment.
As we celebrate his life and works today, let us think back on any memories we might have of Alan Rachins. How did his shows bring light to our lives? Are there lessons we can learn from his love for the limelight?
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