Denis Arndt Obituary

I was a fan of Mr. Arndt, seeing him first when I visited the Shakespearean festival in Ashland. At this moment, I am watching a rerun of The Practice, and he is portraying an attorney. Since the first time I saw him perform, I have been a fan of his. And now the world is diminished with his passing.

I was a regular attendee at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in the 1970s and early 1980s, and one of the greatest pleasures was to watch Denis Arndt weave his magic on stage. I will never forget his performances as Jack Rover in "Wild Oats" and Iago in "Othello". He was a gift to every theater audience that had the privilege of being in his presence. I share your sorrow at the loss of this amazingly gifted man.

A VERY FUNNY SWEET GENTLEMAN WHO MADE IT A POINT TO COME THROUGH MY CHECKSTAND AT SAFEWAY IN ASHLAND TO SHARE A JOKE OR 2 WITH ME... RIP

I was hoping to see Denny at a Rogers High reunion reunion.
He was Tom Sawyer in our play and I was the sheriff. He was so good.
Sorry that he has exited the stage

He was THE favorite of my husband's and mine for years at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. I bawled like a baby watching him in A Moon for the Misbegotten in the Black Swan Theatre. Superior in Shakespeare productions. We were always thrilled to see him pop up in TV and film roles. I didn't know he flew helos in Nam.

We were so lucky to often have Denny as a house guest when he got a job shooting in LA! Our kids loved him and there were always so many laughs and then from time to time Denny would sit at our piano and just have at it! Such a special wonderful human! All his work had a unique Denny stamp and he was brilliant in Heisenberg! Always a treat to watch and be with! His zest for learning devil live on!

My condolences to the Arndt family. I knew your Dad as a loud and brash man with an amazing talent to make Shakespearean language sound like regular chit-chat. In 1980, when I started in the OSFA costume shop, Denny Arndt was the sun and the moon of the Festival. I will never forget his brilliant talent, his panache and his gusto for life. Rest in Peace Denis, and thank you for Vietnam service.

All the world´s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts

What a wonderful tribute to your dad - it so captures his spirit and persona!
I had the privilege of directing him 1st in DISTANT THUNDER and then on LIFE GOES ON, where every season we brought him back to play a completely different character! We were friends for over 40 years, but my one big regret was I never got a chance to go sailing with him on his boat.
DBagger (which is how he signed all his e/mails 2me) - May the wind keep you on a broad reach whatever your next destination!
x
RBagger

A familiar face that so many loved and enjoyed watching over the years. Sincere condolences to the Arndt family, May God be with you all to help you in your time of loss.

What a wonderful man , and terrific actor I had the good fortune of directing him many times in PICKET FENCES , and the last time I saw him was backstage at HEISENBERG. You wrote a beautiful memory of your father .

The absolute best....I loved your dad.... I was his Stage Manager on Coriolanus in '80 and the '85 King Lear and his Richard III direction. He indeed had life by the balls. This was taken in 2023.

Condolences to his family

I was a nobody and he treated me like a somebody.

My heart aches for Denny´s extended family. This man lifted spirits by simply entering a room. A hard loss for us all.

He was one hell of an actor. I had the pleasure of playing opposite him in Richard 111 at the Seattle Rep as Richmond. It was never boring and he always kept you on edge in a good way. Fun and scary at the same time. He will be missed by many. Condolences to his family. " Flights of Angels..." Denis.

Knew Denis long long ago and far far away at OSFA in the early 70´s. Wonderful actor.

He will be missed as Paul Mackey in "Agenda for Murder" of 1990's Columbo

Just an outstanding actor. I am so sorry to read this! God bless him for doing life his way!
On a side note...This was one of the best obituaries, I know I have ever read! What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man!
Sheryl Fody
Georgia

Spent many an hour together!

Absolutely the best actor I ever saw in Ashland and I was fortunate to see most of his incredible performances there in the 1970s and 1980s. Have never forgotten the rousing standing ovation he received for his lead performance in Coriolanus in which electrified the character beyond the norm. That was 50 years ago and I still remember the packed audience jumping to its feet the moment he walked on stage for the curtsin call. What a rich, full life. One of the greats.

Rest in Peace Denis. I and my family have enjoyed many years viewing you in film and on television. Our thoughts and prayers to your family and friends. Thank you for all that you gave us in entertainment and joy.

Denis was my big cousin, the oldest of the Arndt grandkids. Sorry to hear of his passing.

Denis was my father in law once upon a time. I always loved his sense of humor, his wit, and yes, he was very charming! He filled every room he was in. He will be sadly missed by those who loved and knew him. Keep flying high, Denis!