Alan Rachins, the beloved actor known for his roles in L.A. Law and Dharma & Greg, passed away on Saturday, November 2, at the age of 82. His family shared that he died peacefully in his sleep from heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. “Alan loved acting, recently making guest appearances in NCIS and Young Sheldon,” the family’s statement to The LA Times noted, expressing gratitude for the widespread affection in his memory.
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Rachins began his entertainment journey on Broadway before rising to fame as Douglas Brackman Jr. in NBC’s legal drama L.A. Law, which aired from 1986 to 1994. His portrayal of Brackman, a senior partner with a bold attitude, earned him both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Fans often loved to hate his character, with Rachins joking that show co-creator Steven Bochco made Brackman a womanizer because he “was so buttoned up, he had to have some outlets.”
In the late 1990s, Rachins showcased his comedic talents as Larry Finkelstein in the ABC sitcom Dharma & Greg. As Dharma’s hippie father, Rachins became a fan favorite for his portrayal of a 1960s radical with an endless supply of conspiracy theories. His Dharma & Greg co-star, Jenna Elfman, wrote on Instagram, “Our sweet Alan Rachins… we will miss you. Thank you for being the PERFECT ‘Larry Finkelstein’ to my ‘Dharma.’”
Born on October 3, 1942, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Rachins left the Wharton School of Business to pursue acting, eventually making his Broadway debut in 1967. He is survived by his wife, Joanna Frank, and their son, Robert.
