Dennis Letts, actor, father of playwright

TULSA, Okla. - Dennis Letts, a retired university professor and actor who made his Broadway debut this season in his son's acclaimed production of "August: Osage County," died Feb. 22 of cancer. He was 73.

"August: Osage County," written by Tracy Letts, originated at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company and opened in New York in December to some of the year's best reviews. In it, Dennis Letts played an Oklahoma patriarch whose disappearance sparks an acrimonious family reunion.

Mr. Letts was an English professor for 30 years, mostly at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant. He took up acting as a second career after retiring from teaching.

His acting credits include "Where the Heart Is," the film version of a novel by his wife, Billie.

Despite his cancer diagnosis, he chose to go to New York to perform in "August: Osage County," performing eight shows a week.