Biography
Character actor of stage, screen, and television, Barnard Hughes specializes in playing authoritarians and lovable old curmudgeons. During the 1970s, Hughes won a Tony for his portrayal of a dead but still intrusive Irish father whose memory bedevils his son in the drama
Da. He reprised the role in the 1988 film version starring opposite
Martin Sheen as the tormented playwright/son. Though he has worked in many films, Hughes may be most recognizable for his television filmography. Over his career, he has been a regular on four soap operas, including
Dark Shadows, and starred in series such as
Doc (1975-1976) and The Cavanaughs (1986-1989), as well as guest starred on such series as
Cannon (1971-1976),
The Bob Newhart Show (1972-1978), and
Lou Grant (1977-1982), where Hughes won an Emmy for playing a senile judge. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide