Exclusive: Brian Dennehy Lands "Meaty" Sitcom Role

Brian Dennehy by Charley Gallay/Getty Images, Patrick Warburton by Cliff Lipson/CBS

Brian Dennehy, a silver-screen vet and six-time Emmy nominee, is bringing his acting chops — and perhaps some savory lamb chops, as well! — to CBS' Rules of Engagement, TVGuide.com has learned exclusively.

In one of the sitcom's first Season 3 episodes, Dennehy will guest-star as the father of Patrick Warburton's Jeff. The verbal jabs fly between Jeff's wife, Audrey, and her father-in-law, whose alpha-male antics, unbridled love for meat and blatant chauvinism make his sometimes-gruff son look positively refined.

Dennehy's big-screen resume includes the tracking and capture of one John Rambo (in First Blood) and F/X. He won a Golden Globe for the TV presentation of the Arthur Miller classic Death of a Salesman.

CBS' Rules returns midseason. — Matt Mitovich

Crave scoop? E-mail Matt and Mickey at mega_scoop@tvguide.com.

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Posted by

Matt Webb Mitovich

Sep 3, 2008 8:19 PM

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Brian Dennehy is one of the best. It'll be great to see him on Rules, perhaps recurring as The Dad. A huge plus for that show.
Posted by dojo Sep 4, 2008 12:04 AM Report Abuse

Brian Dennehy had also previously played the father of another *Rules of Engagement* cast member. He was David Spades' dad on *Just Shoot Me.*
Posted by Mr. Furley Sep 4, 2008 1:51 AM Report Abuse

So true Mr. Furley. Will a family connection surface? Nah. Probably not.
Posted by DaMess Sep 4, 2008 2:14 AM Report Abuse

I don't get why his "loving meat" is stressed so heavily--are we talking some kind of bizarre meat fetish here? If memory serves, none of the characters on the show have been vegetarians, so it's difficult to see why it would be an issue, unless something truly strange is afoot. Or is "loving meat" code for his being homosexual?
Posted by Staley Sep 4, 2008 10:03 AM Report Abuse

are we talking some kind of bizarre meat fetish here? Um, nearly! - MWM
Posted by TV Guide News Sep 4, 2008 10:52 AM Report Abuse

wasn't Dennehy also the father in Tommy Boy, the mentor of David Spade's character?
Posted by mackattack Sep 4, 2008 11:39 AM Report Abuse

So true Mr. Furley. Will a family connection surface? Nah. Probably not. How about all three guys connected by the same strain of STD from *Just Shoot Mes'* Nina character? I'd buy that...
Posted by Mr. Furley Sep 4, 2008 1:42 PM Report Abuse

I ADORE Brian Dennehy. Last time I saw him was on L&O:SVU--he played a killer(?) who was dying and confessed said crime to Olivia. I think. Or was it his partner who was the murderer? Or...I think it turned out, he was the father of his best friend/partner who was killed? Forgive my lapse in memory. I'm still recovering from loss of hemoglobin to the brain. ~Sangeeta
Posted by Geets226 Sep 4, 2008 1:46 PM Report Abuse

I like Dennehy as well. He seems to good for anything related to David Spade though, lol.
Posted by danielle Sep 4, 2008 2:05 PM Report Abuse

I love Brian Dennehy and anything he is in will only be better. I hope it will be a reacurring role. It would be the highlight of the television season. I would really love it if Brian Dennehy had his own show. Wherever you are Brian,you are awesome,keep on acting.
Posted by mrsmonk Sep 5, 2008 8:23 PM Report Abuse

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