Trivia

Was the only actor to appear in every episode of L.A. Law (1986).

Acting mentor and friends of Jill Eikenberry, Michael Tucker, Corbin Bernsen, Jimmy Smits, Susan Dey and Blair Underwood.

The scene where his L.A. Law character, Leland was discovered in bed with his enemy Rosalind, was ranked as the 38th greatest moment in television in the March 1991 issue of EGG magazine.

Enjoyed dogs, writing, art, cooking, fitness, backpacking and ocean swimming. He was a certified open water diver.

Worked with L.A. Law co-star Diana Muldaur at New York's legendary Circle in the Square Theatre in the 60s. Muldaur has described Dysart as "wonderful" and "a great character actor".

In 1990, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law.

Earned a Master's degree in Speech Communication at Emerson College.

His third wife was artist Kathryn Jacobi.

Had one son, Arie.

The scene where his "L.A. Law" character, Leland McKenzie, the patriarchal and founder of a successful law practice, was discovered in bed with his nemesis/competitor Rosalind Shays (played by Diana Muldaur), was ranked as the 38th greatest moment in television in an issue of EGG magazine. He earned one Emmy Award, and three more nominations, for his role as McKenzie on L.A. Law. He and Muldaur were also off-camera friends.

Was a brother of the Phi Alpha Tau fraternity based out of Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.

Worked for a local radio station while growing up in the Kennebac Valley in Maine.

Twice portrayed President Harry S. Truman in The Winds of War (1988) and Day One (1989).

In addition to having played Harry Truman twice, he co-starred in the movie "Truman" as Henry L. Stimson.

Twice played J. Edgar Hoover - in "Panther" and "Marilyn & Bobby: Her Final Years".

Twice played Dwight Eisenhower - in "Churchill and the Generals" and "The Last Days of Patton".

He has appeared in three films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: The Hospital (1971), Being There (1979) and The Thing (1982).