The 'Star Trek: Enterprise' actor pays homage to his former television sidekick in a heartfelt tribute shortly after the actor passed away at the age of 85.
- November 10, 2021
AceShowbiz - "Quantum Leap" star Scott Bakula has paid tribute to his longtime sidekick on the show, Dean Stockwell, following the actor's death on Sunday (07Nov21).
Bakula insists Stockwell made him "a better human being" in a heartfelt nod to the late TV veteran.
In a statement to Deadline, he recalls meeting Stockwell for the first time at the audition for the popular time-travelling show, where they became firm friends.
Scott writes, "I met Dean at his audition for Quantum Leap in 1988. 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."
"He became a dear friend and a mentor and we grew very close over the next five, very intense years. 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!"
Bakula adds, "In spite of having a career that came and went several times during his seventy plus years in the business, he was always grateful and delighted to have the chance to keep working. The only time he ever complained was when we called him on the golf course and told him we were ready for him to come to work!"
"He used to announce his presence on the sound stage (if we hadn't already caught a whiff of cigar smoke trailing in behind him), with a bellowed, 'The fun starts now!' Truer words were never spoken."
The "Star Trek: Enterprise" actor fondly remembers how Stockwell, a former child actor, looked after kids who appeared as guest stars on the show, "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."
"I loved him dearly and was honored to know him. He made me a better human being."
