Sunday, March 30, 2025 - Denis Arndt, the veteran actor best known for his role in Basic Instinct, has passed away at the age of 86. His family announced the news in an online obituary, confirming that he died earlier this week at his home in Ashland, Oregon.
His death was reportedly unexpected, though local reports
note that he suffered a stroke in 2019 from which he had made a full recovery.
A cause of death has not been disclosed.
Arndt began his acting career in The Magical World
of Disney in 1974, shortly after serving in the Vietnam War. He was
deeply involved in stage productions in the Pacific Northwest, spending over a
dozen seasons with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland.
Many remember Arndt for his role as Lieutenant Phil Walker
in Basic Instinct, where he was one of the detectives interrogating
Sharon Stone’s character, Catherine Tramell, in the film’s most infamous scene.
His extensive film and television career included
appearances in Columbo, S.W.A.T., Undisputed, Anacondas:
The Hunt for the Blood Orchid, Dolphin Tale 2, and Metro.
Arndt’s final major role was on Broadway in Heisenberg alongside
Mary-Louise Parker. His performance earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best
Actor in a Play, though he ultimately lost to Kevin Kline for Present
Laughter.
Denis Arndt leaves behind a legacy of acclaimed performances
on screen and stage.
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