Barnard Hughes

Bernard “Barnard” Aloysius Kiernan Hughes was an illustrious American actor recognized for his pronounced versatility across television, theater, and film domains. Born to Irish Immigrants, Hughes' acting prowess manifested predominantly post middle age, routinely portraying an array of dithering authoritative figures and grandfatherly characters. His heart-warming portrayals rewarded him with Broadway's 1978 Best Actor Tony Award for his standout performance in Hugh Leonard's 'Da', a role he would strikingly recreate in the subsequent movie adaptation in 1988. With a repertoire exceeding 400 nuanced theater roles, Hughes contributed significantly to cinematic brilliance with illustrious appearances in films such as 'Midnight Cowboy (1969)', 'The Hospital (1971)', 'Tron (1982)', 'The Lost Boys (1987)' and 'Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993)'. His television credits constitute appearances on famed series such as 'Naked City', 'Blossom', 'All in the Family', and 'Homicide: Life on the Street' - the last of which earning him an Emmy for his mesmerizing portrayal of a senile judge on 'Lou Grant'. He achieved recurring roles in several sitcoms; 'Doc', 'Mr. Merlin', and 'The Cavanaughs'. Hughes encompassed an eclectic career, from a dockworker to a distinguished actor, his journey punctuated by stellar performances and unforgettable characters.