Actor Denis Arndt, who was Tony-nominated for his 2016 performance in Broadway's Heisenberg, passed away peacefully March 25 in his home in Ashland, Oregon. He was 86. The news was confirmed by his family in a published obituary.  

Mr. Arndt was born February 23, 1939 in Issaquah, Washington. He served as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart twice. Mr. Arndt later moved to Seattle, where a friend persuaded him to audition for a local theatre. He became a founding member of Seattle's Intiman Theatre. He later spent 15 seasons at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Mr. Arndt was a regular cast member of the '80s sitcom, Annie McGuire starring Mary Tyler Moore. His career took off in the 1990s, with screen roles such as L.A. Law, Basic Instinct, How to Make an American Quilt, and Metro. He later made guest appearances on shows including Grey's Anatomy, How to Get Away With Murder, The Good Fight, and more.

In 2015, Mr. Arndt was cast as Alex Priest in Manhattan Theater Club's production of Simon Stephens' two-hander Heisenberg, starring opposite Mary-Louise Parker. The production transferred to Broadway the following year, opening October 13. Mr. Arndt earned a 2017 Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Play for his performance, which was his sole appearance on Broadway.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Arndt's family says he was passionate about sailing around the San Juan islands.

"In his own way, Dad lived his life as a full and generous performance, known for his incredible wit, charm, rebel spirit, irreverence, sense of humor, grittiness, and passion for his art," Mr. Arndt's family wrote in his obituary. "His legacy, both on and off stage, will live on in the hearts of family, friends, and community members. He was charming, handsome, present in the moment, spontaneous, and magnetic—a true Renaissance man. A private memorial service will be held for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, he would request you go grab life by the balls and follow your passion. As the final curtain falls, we bid farewell to our Dad, knowing he has earned a standing ovation for the remarkable life he led."

Mr. Arndt is survived by his wife Magee Downey; their three children; his three children from an earlier marriage; a niece, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.