Date of Birth: October 28, 1944
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Biography
Dennis Franz, born Dennis Franz Schlachta, is an American actor best known for his role as Andy Sipowicz in the television series “NYPD Blue.” Born and raised in Maywood, Illinois, Franz initially pursued a career in education, earning a bachelor’s degree in speech and theater from Southern Illinois University. However, his passion for acting led him to join the Organic Theater Company in Chicago, where he honed his craft. Franz’s breakthrough came with his portrayal of Detective Sal Benedetto on “Hill Street Blues,” which led to his iconic role as Detective Sipowicz on “NYPD Blue.” His performance earned him four Primetime Emmy Awards and numerous other accolades. Over his career, Franz has appeared in various films, including “Die Hard 2” and “City of Angels,” and has guest-starred in several popular TV shows. Known for his gruff demeanor and complex characters, Franz retired from acting in 2005 but remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
5 Interesting Facts about Dennis Franz
1. Dennis Franz served in the United States Army and was stationed in Vietnam for 11 months.
2. He originally planned to become a high school teacher before pursuing acting.
3. Franz has German ancestry; his parents were immigrants from Germany.
4. He is an avid golfer and often participates in celebrity golf tournaments.
5. Franz’s character, Andy Sipowicz, was ranked #23 on TV Guide’s list of the “50 Greatest TV Characters of All Time.”
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dennis Franz
1. “I like to be in control of things I do and films are not as much in my control.”
2. “I never considered myself a celebrity. I’m just a guy who happened to be in the right place at the right time.”
3. “I have a lot of respect for people who work on stage. It’s a very tough environment.”
4. “Acting is always an adventure, and it’s not just a job.”
5. “The key to longevity in this business is to keep doing things that interest you.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Dennis Franz is estimated to be around $16 million.
Children
Dennis Franz does not have any biological children. He is a stepfather to the two daughters of his wife, Joanie Zeck.
Relevant Links
1. [Dennis Franz IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001236/
2. [Dennis Franz Biography on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/actor/dennis-franz
3. [Dennis Franz on TV Guide](https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/dennis-franz/bio/146378/
