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Dennis Lipscomb Obituary

March 1, 1942 - July 30, 2014 Dennis was born Andrew Dennis Lipscomb to Marion and Andy Lipscomb, an Army General. He attended Westbury High School in N.Y., attained an engineering degree from Clarkson University and went to the Iowa Workshop to study writing but fell in love with acting. After training as a Shakespearean actor in London at LAMDA, he moved to New York to pursue theatre, his true love always. He acted in 33 productions of Shakespeare and starred as Hamlet¿ twice. He moved to Los Angeles in 1983 and booked his first audition, a guest-starring role on "CHiPs," and never looked back. He appeared in both television and film, most notably "A Soldiers Story," and became one of the most sought-after character actors of the 1980s and 1990s. He adored bluegrass music and specifically anything featuring the banjo. He played a bit himself, but delighted in a raucous banjo solo or really anything he called "the Happy Music." Dennis was also an animal lover and donated monthly to animal charities like the Humane Society and ASPCA. His basset hound Katie and his cat Banjo miss him terribly. He is survived by his loving wife Pat, his sisters Jeannie and Lori, his brother Bob and his Aunt Ardith, along with many nieces and nephews, and countless friends. "Good Night, Sweet Prince."

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Published by Los Angeles Times from Aug. 9 to Aug. 10, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Lipscomb

Sponsored by Ken Gray.

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Kat Shelton

July 16, 2025

He was one of my favorite actors. Such a fine talent.

Jeanie Neblett

August 3, 2024

My sweet sweet brother, the best in the world. 10 yrs is unbelievable, and you are missed so so much. If all stays well, I hope to be flying out to visit Pat next year and having many more memories. This did not post on the 30th but that doesn´t matter. You will be missed every day and year of our lives

Ken Gray

August 3, 2023

Oh, my funny, kind and giving friend, how I still miss your presence. There is a big hole in the world without you, but you are very much alive in my head and my heart.

Jeanie

August 3, 2023

I love and miss you so very much Dennis. I dont know what I would do if I couldn't still see you on TV. Your Great neice now watches with me. (Aubree)

Aubree

July 19, 2023

This is your great neice Aubree I wish I could have meet you but I was only two when you past over my grandma jeanie just showed me your jacket from soldier story I know a lot about you and am big fan of you am looking forward to watching some movies with my grandma. If you weren't my uncle I would have such a crush on you sincerely Aubree

Jeanie Neblett

August 5, 2022

Not the actual day cause I miss you all the time. Did what I always do, watched a movie or two. Soldier Story, and Amazing grace and Chuck. I will always love you,and I will always be SO proud of you. Your memory will last forever

Marian NEBLETT

August 3, 2021

I think of you all the time,not just on the day you left. I try to remember happy times,childhood(for me) times,and all the wonderful,unselfish things you did for others.I want to smile when I think of you,my beautiful brother.I love you always

Jeanie Neblett

March 2, 2021

Happy Heavenly Birthday to my beautiful Brother yesterday

Richard Carr

February 28, 2021

I offer my belated but sincerest condolences to his beloved wife Pat, his sisters Jeannie and Lori, his brother Bob and his Aunt Ardith, all the rest of his family, his friends, colleagues, his pets, and, of course, his fans around the world. He was a blessing to this world.

Thanks and a belated Farewell to you Mr. Lipscomb, may God bless & be with you and all who loved and cared for you.

Cynthia Annette Alford

November 26, 2020

He Was One Of My Favorite Actors.

Jeanie

November 25, 2020

My beautiful Brother with a heart of pure Gold.I will always here your voice in my ears, your face in my eyes, and your love in my heart

Cynthia

November 23, 2020

He Was One Of My Favorite Actors.

marian neblett

August 5, 2020

on the 30th I watched Soldier Story. I cried and I smiled. I love you my sweet Brother

marian neblett

July 30, 2019

my beautiful brother, you are missed by so many because of your love. you were always there for me till the end but i prefer to daydream my childhood memories because it keeps the smile. I love you forever, and cherish the day when I see your face again

August 6, 2015

I was in the Pacific Northwest, visiting family when the day came and it hit me so hard that it had been a whole year since losing maybe the best friend I've ever had. Lord knows how much I miss him. I can still clearly hear him greeting me on the phone with: "You enormous Toad". Not forgotten, never forgotten, always with me.
My love and sympathy to the long suffering and brave Pat.
Ken

jeanie neblett

August 1, 2015

wanted to wait till after the one year day dennis because ive spent this last year going back to all the wonderful and loving memories as a child with you when you would come home from college, or new york or LA. i could write here all day but i will just say the fondest was you playing the banjo, and singing puff the magic dragon to me. i love you, and miss you so much. the whole world does. love your sister, jeanie

July 31, 2015

We shall never see another man quite like him; once he entered your life, he became a special part of it - and will always remain so.
Rosaly

July 31, 2015

He touched us all with his wit and talent and is greatly missed! God Bless you Pat for you miss him more than anyone else!

July 30, 2015

It is exactly one year ago at this very hour that (July 30, 2014 at 1am) I lost the love of my life. To all of you who have signed this book, it means the world to me. Please remember him with joyPat Melton Lipscomb

July 13, 2015

So sorry to hear. A sweet and talented man. Knew him from GLSF when he was in Cleveland in the mid 70s.
Betsy Lee Wanner

Alice Fuchs-Garrard

June 7, 2015

Dennis and I were friends when we both lived in Manhattan. I've seen many of his live performances and he was riveting. It was always a joy to see him in film.
He was so intelligent, a fine musician and had such a wonderful sense of humor.
My sympathies go to his family. He was unforgettable.

Pam Ladd

April 29, 2015

I knew dennis in Iowa city and many years afterwards. I will miss him forever!

Pat OBrien

April 8, 2015

I knew Denny in college at Potsdam where he was quite the Romeo serenading---and saw him later in "Romeo and Juliet" at North Shore Theater which my college friend happened upon in the Globe so we went. He was great. I saw him in "Elephant Man" here in Boston and sent a "blast from the past" note backstage and we got together, so much fun to remember those great times in Potsdam. I loved seeing him once in awhile on TV or movies---and so sorry to hear of his passing. It sounds as if he was happy and I'm glad. [email protected]

Tina Wagner (Ridings)

February 22, 2015

Rest in peace. Was a pleasure to have met you dear man. Say hello to Our David. Xoxo

David Berger

February 18, 2015

Sorry to hear about Dennis. I roomed with him senior year at CLARKSON. He loved his banjo and loved to make people laugh.

Pete Meier

February 16, 2015

Just learned that Dennis had passed, how sad. We were good friends at Clarkson and had a great time playing in the Wayfaring Strangers Trio where Dennis played Banjo and I the guitar. Won several music competitions together. Many fond memories. Even played on the Ile de France ship in 1964 prior to his sailing to Europe to pursue his acting career. He will be missed.

Melody Gillette

February 3, 2015

When he did his best work, he was riveting. Peace.

Bill Little

December 15, 2014

Great memories of our days at Sigma Delta and Clarkson..you were one of a kind, and so talented..you will be missed...God Bless !

December 13, 2014

Sad to say I too just now, December 2014, saw the notice in Equity news
Touring with Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival of Cleveland during the late 70's Dennis was our Prince of Darkness due partly to his love of windowless rooms, heavy curtains and sleeping late.
Rest in Peace.
Bairbre Dowling N.Y.C.

John Vennema

December 5, 2014

Gosh I just saw that Dennis passed away in the Equity News. We've been out of touch for many years, but we worked and played together in his New York days. We were both at LAMDA tho in different years and he was in the first show I was cast in in New York, LOOT, In which he shone. So many fond memories. Dennis truly loved the stage and he taught me many things by example. I was in his first Hamlet at Terry Schreibers Studio, which was influenced by Japanese Noh theatre. We spent many an evening in the seventies in the upper east side late nite hangouts on Second Avenue, the names of which I've long since forgotten. He was generous to a fault and I'm truly sad to think he's gone. Sweet Prince indeed!
John C. Vennema

John Blythe

October 29, 2014

I just now came across this headline that Dennis had passed away and I am really bummed. I would have loved to have cast him in a future film. I first saw Dennis in the 1984 critically acclaimed ghost story "Eyes of Fire" which Dennis had the lead role in. Dennis actually had several leading roles in independent films in the 1980's such as "Union City" and the cult classic "Retribution" in addition to his solid work as a supporting actor. He was fantastic in "A Soldier's Story", "War Games" and as the rather sarcastic national security adviser at the Pentagon in Steven Seagal's action hit "Under Siege". While he was under the radar, I particularly enjoyed his acting work and he was actually the reason why I was thinking about pursuing an acting career after high school. Instead, I decided to concentrate in the business part of the film industry and have been producing indie films including the documentary "My Amityville Horror". Rest in peace Dennis. Thoughts and prayers are with his family.

August 31, 2014

Thank you all friends and family….I miss him more than I can say

August 30, 2014

Though we never meet I was a fan. My only regret I never saw you preform on the stage. But i have your films. A Fan Connie From Philadelphia, PA

Diane & Charles McGee

August 18, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Lipscomb family and friends. So very sorry for your loss. God Bless.

August 15, 2014

Dennis, A special person. Accomplished, brilliant, a man of wit and insight. And always caring. Rare indeed. Gerald Berns

jeanie neblett

August 13, 2014

there is no words to explain the feeling of loss in my heart right now. you were and always will be my hero Dennis. you went and took life head on when i was very young, and i was oh so proud of you. you loved us all to no end. my heart is broken but i know we will all be together one glorious day.i was blessed to have had you for my brother. so light up the heavens with your special love until we meet again. your sister,jeanie

From The Artist VAL West

August 12, 2014

Dennis, you were one of my closest friends in life, and one of the best actors that ever existed. I will truly miss your company, you were one of the nicest and sweetest guys I've ever known your passing is a great loss to the acting world, you will be missed by everyone. Goodbye my friend, your buddy VAL

Joy Swift

August 12, 2014

Remembering our fun teenage years ! Rest in peace. Our prayers are with your family and loved ones.

Robert Lipscomb

August 11, 2014

Farewell Dear Brother....

August 10, 2014

Denny, you were the best friend I ever had as an actor. Generous to a fault, one of the best speakers of Shakespeare in this country, and most valuable of all- you made me laugh. The world is a much emptier place without you.
Your old friend, Ken

Sharon Hollingsworth

August 10, 2014

Farewell Dear Friend Dennis!
You are remembered with great fondness and shall be sorely missed. My love and prayers to your family and to your loving wife Pat. It is so difficult to say Farewell!

Jonathan Nichols

August 10, 2014

I will miss you dear friend. Proud to have been your best man. I hold you in my heart of hearts. "Farewell and farewell, forever. If we should meet again, we'll smile."

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