‘Quantum Leap’ star, Dean Stockwell, dies at 85

Actor Dean Stockwell has died. He was 85.

His representatives told Variety that Stockwell died peacefully in his sleep at home. He died from natural causes, his family told Deadline.

He leaves behind his wife, Joy Stockwell and two children.

He was born in 1936 and was a child actor for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, with his first on-screen appearance in “The Valley of Decision” in 1945, Variety reported.

Stockwell may be best known for his role in the NBC series “Quantum Leap” where he played Adm. Al Calaviccci for five seasons from 1989 to 1993. His portrayal earned him Emmy and Golden Globes nominations and a Golden Globe win in 1990.

He also had a supporting actor Oscar nomination for his role in “Married to the Mob.” Stockwell also was named best actor at Cannes film festival in 1959 and 1962, Variety reported.

Stockwell paused his career in the ‘60s to join a hippie group. After becoming depressed over restarting his acting career, he got his real estate license and moved from Hollywood. He later resumed his acting career after being urged to by Harry Dean Stanton.

He then appeared in such films like “Paris, Texas,” “To Live and Die in L.A.,” and “The Rainmaker.”

Stockwell also appeared in two David Lynch films, “Blue Velvet” and 1984′s “Dune,” Deadline reported.

In addition to his “Quantum Leap” role, Stockwell also appeared on television in shows like “Battlestar Galactica,” “JAG” and “The Tony Danza Show,” Variety reported.

He also had a career on Broadway, appearing in “Compulsion” with Roddy McDowall who would become his lifelong friend, Deadline reported.

Stockwell, who was also an artist, retired from acting in 2015 and exhibited his works around the country, according to Deadline.

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