As one of Hollywood’s leading men, Bruce Boxleitner has starred in a major motion picture franchise (“Tron”), numerous feature films, several popular TV series, produced a major network film and TV series, performed on Broadway and authored two science fiction novels.
Boxleitner spent three seasons co-starring with Andie MacDowell on Hallmark Channel’s first- ever primetime series, “Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove,” which was the #1 rated series airing on Saturday at 8 p.m. Boxleitner’s character, Bob Beldon is the owner of the Cedar Cove Inn, Thyme and Tide. The series was based on the popular book series Cedar Cove by #1 NY Times best-selling author Debbie Macomber.
In addition, Boxleitner co-starred with Lindsay Wagner in Hallmark Channel’s “The Thanksgiving House” special which premiered on November 2, 2013 and co-starred in the Christmas TV movie “Silver Bells” that aired on December 1, 2013 on the UP Network.
Boxleitner is a longtime favorite with sci-fi and western fans worldwide. He starred with Jeff Bridges in “Tron Legacy,” the popular motion picture sequel to Disney’s cult film “Tron.” The cast also included: Garret Hedlund and Olivia Wilde.
Along with Trevor Crafts, he is executive producer of “Bruce Boxleitner’s Lantern City,” a new Steampunk-themed series in development that is an exciting foray into fan-inspired and fan- created television. It combines first-rate storytelling, innovative production design and a rich science fiction world with dynamic storylines. The series will allow viewers to be involved in the process – a first for any television show. On July 19, 2013, the series creators released the first-illustrated novel in the “Lantern City” saga Rise: A Lantern City Illustrated Novel at Comic- Con International in San Diego.
The multi-talented actor reprised his role in “Tron: Uprising” on Disney’s XD TV Network, his first animated TV series. The cast included Elijah Wood, Mandy Moore, Lance Henriksen and Paul Reubens. The original “Tron” celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2012.
Boxleitner’s film credits 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.
Among his numerous TV credits are “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 including “Love’s Resounding Courage” and “Falling In Love with the Girl Next Door.” The veteran actor has appeared in numerous recurring roles in TV series such as “GCB,” “Heroes,” “NCIS” and guest-starred on “Chuck.” 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 relocated to Los Angeles and quickly landed a guest spot on the legendary TV series “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and also had numerous guest roles on series including “Hawaii 5-0,” “Beretta,” “Police Woman” and “Gunsmoke.”
His 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,” miniseries “East of Eden” and TV movie “The Last Convertible.”
In 1982 Boxleitner was cast in the title role in Disney’s cult film “Tron,” which garnered him sci- fi fans nationally and internationally. However, it was his four-year run on CBS-TV’s popular series “Scarecrow and Mrs. King,” co-starring Kate Jackson, which endeared him to fans of all ages and made him a household name. In 1994, Boxleitner joined the cast of the hit 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 is also known as an actor and skilled horseman and costarred in numerous western TV series and films. He and Kenny Rogers filmed several “The Gambler” TV movies that aired on CBS and NBC. Other projects include “Gunsmoke V: One Man’s Justice” with James Arness (Arness’ final film), 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.
Bruce Boxleitner was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City in April 2012. He was honored for his illustrious career in western films. He is also 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.
