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Barry Dennen

Barry Dennen was the kind of performer whose career refuses to stay in one lane. Born in Chicago in 1938, he worked across stage, film, television, music, writing and voice acting, moving between prominent theatrical roles and smaller screen appearances with equal commitment. After moving to London, Dennen spent 15 years there and landed the starring role of the master of ceremonies in the West End production of Cabaret in 1968. Another defining part arrived with Jesus Christ Superstar. He played Pontius Pilate on the 1970 album, returned to the role for the 1971 Broadway production and played Pilate again in Norman Jewison’s 1973 film. Between those versions, Dennen appeared as Mendel in Jewison’s Fiddler on the Roof. His later film work often found him adding a sharply drawn presence to an ensemble. His credits included Madhouse, Brannigan, The Kentucky Fried Movie, The Shining, Ragtime, Trading Places, Superman III and Titanic. He also played used-car dealer Irwin Lapsey in Shock Treatment. On television, his appearances ranged from Batman and Wonder Woman to Tales from the Darkside. Dennen’s voice became another important part of his screen career. He dubbed Frank Oz’s performance as the scheming Chamberlain SkekSil in The Dark Crystal and voiced Tulku in The Shadow. His animation work included DuckTales, Batman: The Animated Series, Animaniacs, Avatar: The Last Airbender and Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Players also heard him in games including Grim Fandango, Metal Gear Solid 2, Jade Empire, Fallout: New Vegas and Dota 2. Writing completed the picture. Dennen wrote lyrics for the children’s musical revue Wanna Play?! and contributed screenwriting to Amazing Stories and The Comic Strip Presents.... Across those varied roles, his career was held together by a theatrical voice, a willingness to play unusual characters and an ability to make even limited screen time count.