Bruce French, whose commanding presence graced stages and screens for more than five decades, died on February 7, 2025, in Los Angeles, California, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. He was 79. His wife of 34 years, actress Eileen Barnett—known for her role on “Days of Our Lives”—confirmed his passing to The Hollywood Reporter.
French’s most enduring television role was as Father Lonigan, the blind priest with a supernatural gift, on NBC’s “Passions.” Appearing in over 400 episodes during the show’s nine-season run from 1999 to 2008, French became a cornerstone of the series. His character’s confrontations with the sinister Alistair Crane cemented Father Lonigan’s role as the moral compass of the fictional New England town of Harmony.
Born on July 4, 1945, in Reinbeck, Iowa, French’s journey to acting began at the University of Iowa, where he majored in speech and theater. After serving in the Vietnam War, he pursued his passion for performance, amassing over 150 acting credits across television, film, and theater.
French became a reliable presence on television, particularly in productions helmed by David E. Kelley. He appeared in “L.A. Law,” “Picket Fences,” “Ally McBeal,” “The Practice,” “Boston Public,” and “Boston Legal.” His versatility extended to other acclaimed series, including “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Criminal Minds,” “Mad Men,” “Gilmore Girls,” “House,” “The West Wing,” “Night Court,” “Cheers,” and “Moonlighting.”
Science fiction fans appreciated French’s multiple appearances in the “Star Trek” franchise. His adaptability to the genre’s demands while delivering grounded, authentic performances made him a favorite among devotees. French appeared in “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Voyager,” and “Enterprise,” as well as the 1998 film “Star Trek: Insurrection.”
French’s film career spanned decades and genres, with notable roles in “Coming Home,” “Christine,” “Mr. Mom,” “Fletch,” “Murphy’s Romance,” “Wildcats,” “Jurassic Park III,” “Mr. Deeds,” “Thank You for Smoking,” “Beginners,” and “Beautiful Boy.”
Known for frequently portraying men of faith, French even brought his priest’s clerical collar to auditions. “He owned that priest’s collar and would take it with him on auditions,” Barnett revealed.
The stage remained French’s artistic home throughout his career. His performance as Andrew Crocker-Harris in Terence Rattigan’s “The Browning Version” at Pacific Resident Theater earned him the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award and an Ovation Award for Lead Actor in 2010.
His portrayal of Lucky in “Waiting for Godot,” later preserved for KCET’s “Theater in America,” is considered one of his finest performances.
In addition to acting, French directed “Man of La Mancha” as the premiere production at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. His contributions to theater demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of stagecraft and production, further cementing his status as a multifaceted talent.
Actor and friend Barry Cutler shared fond memories of Bruce French, recalling that they first met in the late 1970s while working on a stage adaptation of “A Christmas Carol.” Cutler said French immediately felt like a long-lost best friend. French gave him a whimsical Scrooge mug on opening night, and their friendship blossomed from there.
He welcomed Cutler into his home for dinners, introducing him to his close circle of friends and eventually to his wife, actress Eileen Barnett. The two often brainstormed screenplay ideas until one day, French confessed that he was done buying books on how to write screenplays, deciding he’d rather spend his time reading something more meaningful.
French was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2021. Despite the challenges of his diagnosis, he maintained his reputation for professionalism and dedication to his craft. His marriage to Barnett had a romantic trajectory of its own—they reconnected and married 25 years after meeting at the University of Iowa, building a partnership that lasted 34 years until his passing.
He is survived by Barnett and their beloved dogs. French leaves behind a rich legacy in theater, film, and television, remembered by colleagues and fans alike for his nuanced performances, deep understanding of character, and unwavering dedication to his craft.
