Denis Arndt, who starred opposite Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct, has died at 86.
The Washington-born actor’s death is believed to have been unexpected, but no cause has been given.
An obituary shared online by his family confirmed Arndt died earlier this week at his home in Oregon.
‘It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of our dad, Denis Leroy Arndt,’ it read.
‘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.’
Arndt’s loved ones added: ‘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 legacy, both on and off stage, will live on in the hearts of family, friends, and community members.’
It was reported by the local outlet Ashland News that he suffered a stroke in 2019 but made a full recovery.
Arndt is survived by his wife of 45 years, Magee Downey, and their three adult children: Bryce, McKenna, and Tanner.
He also had four adult children—Scott, Tammy, Laurie, and Kirsten—from a previous marriage and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
As per his wishes, no services will be held in the wake of his death.
Additionally, in lieu of flowers, his family wrote that Arndt ‘would request you go grab life by the balls and follow your passion.’
‘As the final curtain falls, we bid farewell to our Dad, knowing he has earned a standing ovation for the remarkable life he led,’ their tribute concluded.
Prior to making his movie debut in The Magical World of Disney in 1974, Arndt served in the Vietnam War as a United States Army helicopter pilot, earning himself a Purple Heart and Commendation Medal.
Upon graduating from the University of Washington, he joined the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, where he completed 15 seasons.
Arndt forged a majorly successful career in the world of theatre, perhaps being best known for his role as Alex Priest in the play Heisenberg.
He received glowing praise for his performance, with a New York Times review writing that Arndt ‘makes what has to be the most unlikely and irresistible Broadway debut of the year’.
His one and only Broadway role at the age of 77 earned Arndt a Tony nomination for best actor in a play in 2017, which he lost out on to Kevin Kline for his role in Present Laughter.
He secured guest roles on many TV shows, including The Good Fight, Grey’s Anatomy, Supernatural, and Vanished, and had recurring roles on Picket Fences and L.A. Law.
Film-wise, he appeared in How to Make an American Quilt and, in 1992, played Lieutenant Phillip Walker in Basic Instinct.
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Paul Verhoeven’s erotic thriller catapulted lead actress Stone, now 67, to superstardom thanks to her portrayal of femme fatale Catherine Tramell.
Lieutenant Walker was one of two cops interrogating her in the famous scene where Tramell seductively uncrosses her legs, exposing herself to them.
One of Arndt’s last film roles was in 2018’s Mr. Mercedes, in which he played Merrill D. Shields.
Then, in 2023, according to IMDB, he played Lou in the short drama Do Over, starring alongside Melanie Hutsell.
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