Tributes continue to pour in for Dean Stockwell, who passed away over the weekend at the age of 85. However, few of his collaborators knew him as well as his former Quantum Leap co-star, Scott Bakula. The two spent five years working together on the hit sci-fi series from 1989 to 1993. Now, Bakula has paid tribute to his friend in a new statement given to Deadline.
Bakula and Stockwell starred on Quantum Leap as Dr. Sam Beckett and Admiral Al Calavicci, respectively. Stockwell’s character typically appeared as a hologram who guided Sam through his time-traveling exploits. And as Bakula explained in his statement, their friendship was far from an act.
“I met Dean at his audition for Quantum Leap in 1988,” said Bakula. “He had agreed to ‘read’ for the Network, I was already cast. We connected immediately and my career and my life were changed that day in Brandon Tartikoff’s office. How lucky were we to get him? A few months later he would be nominated for an Academy Award for his role in Married to the Mob, but he was stuck with us. Serendipity? All I know is, he never tried to get out or complain, he loved the role and the show and the rest was history.”
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“He became a dear friend and a mentor and we grew very close over the next five, very intense years,” continued Bakula. “Dean was such a passionate man…about life, his work, his art (he was an amazing artist!), his family, all kinds of causes, people, music, the planet, cigars, golf, and on and on! Having been a famous child actor, he had a soft spot for every young actor who came on our set. He was very protective of their rights and safety and always checked in with them to make sure that they were ok. His big hearted response to the kids made all of us take notice and be better guardians ourselves.”
Bakula and Stockwell would remain in each other’s orbits long past Quantum Leap’s conclusion. In 2002, Stockwell guest-starred on an episode of Star Trek: Enterprise, which featured Bakula as Captain Jonathan Archer. Years later, Stockwell appeared opposite Bakula one more time in an episode of NCIS: New Orleans in 2014. Also
You can share your thoughts on Bakula’s tribute to Stockwell in the comment section below. We also grieve the loss of Dean Stockwell. He was amazing in Quantum Leap and Battlestar Galactica. Additionally, his role in the first Dune movie was memorable. There aren’t many actors who can last for seven decades in Hollywood. However, Stockwell was one of a kind. He will also be missed. Also. But also never forgotten. Regardless of what happens next, he was a great performer.
