Actor Stacy Keach has died at 85 : NPR

NPR • November 11, 2026 • entertainment

Key Points:

Stacy Keach, a versatile actor known for roles ranging from outlaw Frank James to Shakespearean characters, died at age 85 after battling a serious heart condition.
Born in Savannah, Georgia, and classically trained at Yale and London's Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Keach was best recognized for playing tough characters like cops and private detectives, notably Mike Hammer.
In 1984, Keach served six months in a British prison for cocaine possession, an experience he said added depth to his acting and reinforced his appreciation for freedom.
Throughout his career, Keach worked in film, television, and stage, with a particular passion for Shakespeare, citing Macbeth as his most challenging role due to its complex moral themes.
Despite setbacks, Keach maintained a steady acting career over more than 50 years, including roles in sitcoms and acclaimed films like Nebraska.

Trending Business