Who Is Dennis Franz? Age, Biography, and Wiki
As of 2025, Dennis Franz is 80 years old. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he grew up with an interest in acting that would define his future. With a career spanning over four decades, Dennis gained fame for his role as Andy Sipowicz in the critically acclaimed television series NYPD Blue, which earned him several Emmy Awards. His extensive filmography also includes appearances in Hill Street Blues and The District.
For more information, check out his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 28, 1944 |
| Age | 80 Years |
| Birth Place | Maywood, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Dennis Franz's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Dennis Franz stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) and has maintained a robust build throughout his life. While his current weight is not publicly disclosed, his commitment to fitness and health has been well-documented over the years.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Dennis Franz is known for being quite private about his personal life. However, it has been revealed that he has been in a long-term relationship with his significant other, who has reportedly supported him throughout his career. Franz previously married his wife, and the couple has children together, maintaining a close-knit family environment.
In 2000, Franz starred as Earl, an abusive husband, in the Dixie Chicks' music video "Goodbye Earl". The next year he competed on the May 11 celebrity edition of the hit television game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, winning $250,000 for his charity, the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance.
As a commercial spokesman for Nextel in the early 2000s, Franz appeared as a caricature of himself in commercials, "refusing" to do the commercials, saying they were not something he did.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Dennis Franz’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. His wealth primarily stems from his successful acting career, including notable television roles and film appearances. Reports suggest that his annual earnings have fluctuated over the years, but his iconic stature in Hollywood has solidified his financial success.
Career, Business, and Investments
Dennis Franz's career took off in the 1980s, with his breakout role in Hill Street Blues. His portrayal of complex characters has garnered critical acclaim, and he is often regarded as one of the finest actors in the TV industry. Apart from acting, Franz has dabbled in a few investments, although specific details are scarce. His focus remains predominantly on his acting career and the couple of business endeavors he has pursued.
Franz began his acting career at Chicago's Organic Theater Company. Although he has in the past performed Shakespeare, his physical appearance led to his being typecast early in his career as a cop.
(By Franz's own count, the character of Andy Sipowicz was his 28th role as a police officer.) He also guest starred in shows such as The A-Team and Hunter. Other major roles were on the television series Hill Street Blues in which he played two characters over the run of the show.
Franz first played the role of the corrupt Detective Sal Benedetto in the 1982–1983 season. Benedetto eventually commits suicide when a large-scale scam he was running fails. Franz returned to the series in 1985 as main character Lt. Norman Buntz, remaining until the show's end in 1987.
He also starred in the short-lived Beverly Hills Buntz as the same character.
Social Network
Dennis Franz is not extremely active on social media, which adds to his enigmatic presence. However, fans can find glimpses of his life and career through posts and updates from official fan sites and groups dedicated to his work. It's clear that his legacy continues to resonate with both longtime followers and new fans alike.
Education
Dennis attended the University of Chicago, where he majored in Drama. His education provided him with the foundational skills necessary for his acting career, and he has often spoken about the importance of education in shaping his artistic abilities.
Franz is a 1962 graduate of Proviso East High School in Maywood. During his high school years, he was active in baseball, football and swimming. He attended Wilbur Wright College and Southern Illinois University Carbondale, graduating from the latter with a bachelor's degree in speech and theater in 1968.
