Alan Rachins Biography: Net Worth, Wife, Age, Height, Children, Parents, Movies & TV Shows

Alan Leonard Rachins, known professionally as Alan Rachins, was an American actor, writer, and director best recognized for his roles as Douglas Brackman Jr. in the legal drama L.A. Law and Larry Finkelstein in the sitcom Dharma & Greg.

With a career spanning over five decades, Rachins earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his compelling performance in L.A. Law.

His distinctive presence, marked by his balding appearance and versatile acting, made him a respected figure in both television and theater.

Profile

• Full Name: Alan Leonard Rachins
• Stage Name: Alan Rachins
• Born: 3 October, 1942
• Died: 2 November 2024
• Age: 82 years old
• Birthplace: Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Writer, Director
• Height: 1.83m
• Parents: Edward Rachins and Ida Rachins
• Siblings: None
• Spouse: Joanna Frank (m. 1978–2024)
• Children: Robert Edward Rachins
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $3 million

Early Life and Education

Alan Leonard Rachins was born on October 3, 1942, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Edward Rachins, a food manufacturing businessman, and Ida Rachins.

He was an only child.

After losing his mother at age 11, Rachins faced a challenging childhood, often alone due to his father’s work-related absences.

He attended Brookline High School and briefly enrolled at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania before dropping out to pursue acting in New York City.

He later completed a degree at Empire State College in 1974.

His ethnicity was Jewish, and his religious beliefs were not publicly known.

Career

Alan Rachins began his career in theater, performing in Broadway productions like After the Rain (1967) and Hadrian the Seventh, as well as off-Broadway shows such as The Trojan Women and the controversial Oh! Calcutta!, where he appeared nude for 18 months.

His early acting was shaped by studying with renowned teachers like William Ball and Kim Stanley.

In 1972, he paused acting to join the American Film Institute as a writing and directing fellow, selling scripts for shows like Hill Street Blues, Knight Rider, and The Fall Guy, and directing an episode of Paris (1980).

His return to acting came with a lead role in Henry Jaglom’s independent film Always (1985), which garnered critical attention.

Rachins achieved widespread fame with his role as Douglas Brackman Jr. in L.A. Law (1986–1994), appearing in 171 episodes as the arrogant yet complex managing partner of a Los Angeles law firm.

The role earned him Emmy and Golden Globe nominations in 1988 and solidified his reputation as a skilled character actor.

He also appeared in films like Showgirls (1995) and North (1994), and voiced characters such as the Clock King in Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1994).

His later theater work included Inherit the Wind and La Cage Aux Folles, showcasing his stage versatility.

Rachins maintained a steady presence in television with a prominent role as Larry Finkelstein, the eccentric hippie father, in Dharma & Greg (1997–2002), appearing in 119 episodes.

His later career included guest roles on Rizzoli & Isles (2011–2013), Grey’s Anatomy (2018), and NCIS (2023), as well as voice work in The Spectacular Spider-Man (2008–2009).

He also produced projects with his wife through their company, Allofit Productions.

His contributions to television, theater, and film left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Social Media

Alan Rachins does not have any active social media accounts.

Personal Life

Alan Rachins married actress Joanna Frank in 1978, whom he met in an acting class, and they remained together until his death in 2024.

They had one son, Robert Edward Rachins.

The couple worked together on L.A. Law, where Frank played his on-screen wife, Sheila Brackman.

Rachins lived a relatively private life in Los Angeles, focusing on his career and family.

He passed away on November 2, 2024, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center due to heart failure, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.

Filmography

• Always (1985)
• Thunder Run (1986)
• Showgirls (1995)
• North (1994)
• Meet Wally Sparks (1997)
• Leave It to Beaver (1997)
• The Retrievers (2001)
• L.A. Law: The Movie (2002)
• Angels on Tap (2018)
• Momentum (2018)

Net Worth

Alan Rachins had an estimated net worth of $3 million at the time of his death.

His wealth was primarily derived from his extensive acting career, notably his roles in L.A. Law and Dharma & Greg, which benefited from syndication earnings.

His work as a writer, director, and producer, along with theater performances, also contributed to his financial success.