Dennis Franz, the Emmy Award-winning actor celebrated for his portrayal of Detective Andy Sipowicz on the ABC series "NYPD Blue," was recently spotted on a rare public outing in Los Angeles. The 81-year-old actor appeared alongside his wife, Joanie Zeck, at a Montecito eatery.
Franz, who stepped away from Hollywood two decades ago following his 12-year run on the acclaimed police procedural, was seen enjoying lunch on the patio. He was dressed casually in a blue T-shirt, a plaid button-down shirt, and gray cargo shorts. His appearance featured longer hair and a beard, a departure from his signature look during his time on "NYPD Blue."
Franz's performance as Sipowicz earned him critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe Award, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and four Primetime Emmy Awards. His career began in theater before he transitioned to television and film, where he was often typecast in police roles. By his own estimation, his "NYPD Blue" character was his 28th police officer role.
In addition to "NYPD Blue," Franz also starred on "Hill Street Blues" from 1981 to 1987. His film credits include appearances in Brian De Palma's "The Fury" (1978), "Dressed to Kill" (1980), "Blow Out" (1981), and "Body Double" (1984). He also shared the screen with Bruce Willis in the 1990 film "Die Hard 2," portraying airport police captain Carmine Lorenzo.
Franz retired from acting after "NYPD Blue" concluded in 2005. The couple has recently been attempting to sell their Montecito mansion, which was listed for $16.5 million. This public sighting follows an earlier one in March 2023, which occurred shortly after the death of Austin Majors, his former onscreen son from "NYPD Blue."
Franz's career began after serving 11 months in Vietnam in 1968, followed by participation in a Chicago theater group before finding success in television and film. He also appeared in the 1996 film adaptation of David Mamet's "American Buffalo" alongside Dustin Hoffman.