Dennis Franz
When casting the pilot for NYPD Blue, producers
Steven Bochco and David Milch already had actor
Dennis Franz in mind for the starring role of Detective Andy Sipowicz. Bochco and Milch worked with Franz on their highly acclaimed series, Hill Street Blues where the down-to-earth actor won attention for playing not one but two different roles -- first, Sal Benedetto and later, Detective Norman Buntz. Born Dennis Schlachta (he took his father's first name as his stage name), Franz seemed destined to play police officers throughout his career from his first professional stage role in the Chicago production of Cops. Now entering his ninth season with NYPD Blue, Franz has won four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and two Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG) for his performance as one of television's most intriguing and realistic cops.
Dennis Franz Facts
Selected Filmography
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