Dennis Franz

Dennis Franz Schlachta, professionally known as Dennis Franz, is an American retired actor. He was born on October 28, 1944, in Maywood, Illinois. Franz is best known for his role as NYPD Detective Andy Sipowicz in the ABC television series NYPD Blue, which ran from 1993 to 2005. This iconic role earned him numerous awards, including a Golden Globe Award, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and four Primetime Emmy Awards. Before his portrayal of Sipowicz, Franz also appeared in the NBC series Hill Street Blues and its spinoff, Beverly Hills Buntz. Franz attended Proviso East High School and was active in baseball, football, and swimming during his high school years.