Bruce French, Veteran Actor of Stage and Screen, Dies at 79

The prolific performer, best known for his role as Father Lonigan on 'Passions,' passed away in Los Angeles from complications of Alzheimer's disease.

• Bruce French, a character actor with over 150 credits spanning television, film, and theater, has died at the age of 79.
• He was widely recognized for his portrayal of Father Lonigan, a blind priest with premonitions of evil, in the NBC soap opera 'Passions' from 1999 to 2008.
• French's career included appearances in iconic TV series such as 'Star Trek: The Next Generation,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'The West Wing,' and 'Mad Men,' as well as films like 'Jurassic Park III' and 'Thank You for Smoking.'
• A dedicated stage actor, French performed in productions such as 'Waiting for Godot' and 'The Browning Version,' earning acclaim for his theatrical work.
• He is survived by his wife of 34 years, actress Eileen Barnett, and two nieces, Claire and Paula, who remembered him as a kind and gentle soul.

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