Bruce Boxleitner has starred in a major motion picture franchise, numerous feature films, several popular television series, produced a major network film and TV series, performed on Broadway, and authored two science fiction novels. Most recently, Boxleitner joined the cast of Hallmark Channel's first-ever primetime series, "Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove," starring opposite Andie MacDowell.
Boxleitner received his formal acting training on stage. A native mid-westerner, he is an alumnus of Chicago's prestigious Goodman Theatre. In 1972, he starred in the Broadway production of "Status Quo Vadis" with Ted Danson. He then re-located to Los Angeles and quickly landed a guest spot on the legendary television series "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," as well as numerous guest roles on series, including "Hawaii 5-0," "Beretta," "Police Woman," and "Gunsmoke."
Boxleitner's big break occurred when he was cast opposite James Arness in the pilot for the epic TV series "How the West Was Won." He went on to star in the CBS series "Bring 'Em Back Alive," mini-series "East of Eden," and the television movie "The Last Convertible."
In 1982, Boxleitner was cast as the title role in Disney's cult film "TRON," which garnered him sci-fi fans worldwide. However, it was in Boxleitner's four-year run for CBS' "Scarecrow and Mrs. King," starring opposite Kate Jackson, which endeared him to fans everywhere and made him a household name.
In 1994, Boxleitner joined the cast of the popular TV series "Babylon 5" as John Sheridan, President of the Interstellar Alliance, a war hero-turned-diplomat at the helm of Earth Alliance Space Station in the year 2259. The show aired for five seasons.
Boxleitner most recently starred with Jeff Bridges in "TRON: Legacy," the popular motion picture sequel to "TRON." The cast included Garret Hedlund and Olivia Wilde. In addition, Boxleitner reprised his role in "TRON: Uprising" on Disney's XD TV network, his first animated television series. The multi-talented cast includes Elijah Wood, Mandy Moore, Lance Henriksen, and Paul Reubens. The original "TRON" recently celebrated its 30th anniversary.
Boxleitner has appeared in several motion pictures include "Gods and Generals" with Robert Duvall, Jeff Daniels, Stephen Lang, and Mira Sorvino, "The Babe" with John Goodman and Kelly McGillis, "Kuffs" with Christian Slater, and "The Baltimore Bullet" with James Coburn.
Boxleitner's numerous television movie credits include "The Secret" with Kirk Douglas, "Perfect Family" with Jennifer O'Neal and Joanna Cassidy, "Double Jeopardy" with Rachel Ward, Sally Kirkland, and Sela Ward, "Passion Flower" with Barbara Hershey and Nicol Williamson, and Hallmark Channel Original Movies "Love’s Resounding Courage" and "Falling in Love with the Girl Next Door," among many others.
The veteran actor has appeared in numerous recurring roles on television series including "GCB" and "Heroes" and has guest-starred on "NCIS" and "Chuck," among others.
A skilled horseman, Boxleitner utilized his talents in numerous Western TV series and films, including "The Gambler" television movie series that aired on CBS and NBC, starring opposite Kenny Rogers, "Gunsmoke V: One Man's Justice" with James Arness (Arness' final film), the CBS remake of "Red River" with Gregory Harrison, James Arness, and Laura Johnson, "Wyatt Earp: Return to Tombstone" with Hugh O'Brian, and "Down the Long Hills," based on legendary western author Louis L'Amour's novel of the same name.
Boxleitner was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City in April 2012, honoring him for his illustrious career in western films. He is a two-time recipient of the Wrangler Award.
In 1999, Boxleitner authored "Frontier Earth" and in 2001, its sequel "Frontier Earth: Searcher," published by The Berkley Publishing Group.
Bruce Boxleitner currently resides in Los Angeles and has three sons, Sam, Lee, and Michael.
Bruce Boxleitner also stars in the Hallmark Channel Original Series "Cedar Cove."
