Oscar– and Emmy-nominated actor Dean Stockwell, best known for his role in American science-fiction television series Quantum Leap, died on Sunday at the age of 85. The veteran actor reportedly died peacefully at his home of natural causes. 

Born in 1936 in North Hollywood, the actor joined Broadway at the age of 7. He appeared in Anchors Aweigh and in the 1948 movie The Boy With the Green Hair. He returned to the Broadway stage as a young adult in Compulsion with Roddy McDowall. He went on to reprise his role in the film version. The actor also starred in Sons and Lovers and Long Day’s Journey Into Night.

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When he was about to switch his career, he received a phone call from Harry Dean Stanton, who asked him to join Wim Wenders’ film ‘Paris, Texas’.  He went on to act in a series of memorable films including Blue Velvet, Married to the Mob, The Rainmaker and The Player.  

His most significant role was in the sci-fi TV series Quantum Leap in which he played Admiral Al Calavicci opposite Scott Bakula. HIs role landed him with four Emmy nominations. 

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Following his death, several of his fans and friends paid tributes to him on social media. 

“Rest in Peace Dean Stockwell. What an amazing actor. He always had a mischevious glint of humor in his eyes. I was honored to work with him in the pilot for “Quantum Leap” at NBC along with Scott Bakula,” one person commented. 

“RIP to Dean Stockwell, star of the single greatest scene in the history of cinema. See you in my dreams, Mr. Sandman,” wrote another person. 

“He worked with Wellman, Losey, Henry King, Garnett, Hathaway, Tourneur, Oboler, Fleischer, Hopper, Ginsberg, Wenders, Lynch, Friedkin, Tony Scott, Altman, Coppola, Demme, and so many more. The last real link. I love you Dean Stockwell. Thank you for all the movies,” another person commented.