Barry Primus

**Barry Primus**, born February 16, 1938, is an acclaimed American television and film actor, director, and writer. He first made his mark in the entertainment industry as a stage actor in the early 1960s, later gaining television experience in shows like The Defenders, East Side/West Side, and The Virginian. Primus debuted on film with 'The Brotherhood' in 1968. Since then, he has been a part of numerous notable films including 'Boxcar Bertha' (1972), 'Autopsy' (1975), 'Heartland' (1979), 'The Rose' (1979), 'Night Games' (1980), 'Absence of Malice' (1981), and 'Guilty by Suspicion' (1991). Primus also featured in the TV series Cagney and Lacey (1982 — 1988) playing Sergeant Dory Mckenna, a police officer struggling with drug addiction. After participating as second unit director in 'The Rose' (1979), Primus gradually increased his contributions behind the camera. He made his directorial debut with the 1992 Hollywood comedy/drama 'Mistress'. A member of the Actor's Studio, Barry has taught acting and directing classes at prestigious institutions like the American Film Institute, Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, UCLA, and Columbia University. He also gives lectures at Loyola Marymount University and The Maine Media Workshops. Recently, Primus has worked in films such as 'Jackson', 'Righteous Kill', 'American Hustle', 'Grudge Match', and 'The Irishman'. He has been married to choreographer Julie Arenal for over five decades.