David Dukes

Film, television, and Tony Award-nominated stage actor

What is David Dukes known for?

David Coleman Dukes, a renowned character actor, was born on June 6, 1945, in San Francisco, California. A distinguished alumnus of Redwood High School in Larkspur, CA, he had a remarkable career in films, television, and on stage.

Dukes impressed audiences through his participation in 35 films, and his frequent appearances as a guest star on various television shows. Noteworthy roles include his performance in the mini-series 'The Winds of War' and 'War and Remembrance'. He also had recurring roles later in life on popular TV shows such as 'Pauly', 'Sisters', and 'Dawson's Creek'.

His considerable stage experience first began on Broadway in 1971. He appeared in a revival of Molière's 'The School for Wives'. Among his remarkable theatrical roles were Dracula, Doctor Frankenstein, and Antonio Salieri in the original production of 'Amadeus', replacing Ian McKellen. He also replaced John Lithgow in the original production of David Henry Hwang's play 'M. Butterfly.' Dukes received a Tony nomination in 1980 for the best featured actor in a play for 'Bent'.

The actor's talent also extended to audio, having recorded several audiobooks, including Philip Roth's unabridged 'Sabbath’s Theater' and Isaac Asimov's unabridged 'Prelude to Foundation'.

Off-stage and off-camera, he married his first wife, Carolyn McKenzie, in 1965 while studying at the College of Marin. The couple had a son, Shawn David Dukes, the next year. He also had a daughter, Annie, with his second wife, Carol Muske.

Sadly, while on location shooting the Stephen King miniseries 'Rose Red', Dukes passed away due to a heart attack on October 9, 2000, in Spanaway, Washington. His legacy as a talented and versatile actor continues to inspire many to this day.