Dean Stockwell, the US actor known for playing Al in sci-fi series Quantum Leap, is dead.
Gatekeepers News reports that Stockwell died of natural causes at the age of 85 on November 7 at his home.
The deceased, during his 70-year career, won a Golden Globe award for his best-known role and was also nominated for an Oscar for Married to the Mob.
Stockwell also appeared in Air Force One and David Lynch’s Blue Velvet and Dune.
His Quantum Leap co-star Scott Bakula said: “I loved him dearly and was honoured to know him. He made me a better human being.”
Paying tribute to his “dear friend and mentor”, Bakula said they “grew very close” over five “very intense years”.
In a post on Instagram, he said: “Dean was such a passionate man… about life, his work, his art (he was an amazing artist!), his family, all kinds of causes, people, music, the planet, cigars, golf, and on and on!
“Having been a famous child actor, he had a soft spot for every young actor who came on our set.
“He was very protective of their rights and safety and always checked in with them to make sure that they were OK. His big-hearted response to the kids made all of us take notice and be better guardians ourselves.”
