Stephen Dunham was an American actor who had a promising career in television and film. He was best known for his roles as Edward Pillows on the series DAG and as Isaac Henderson in The Mummy. He also appeared in Monster-in-Law, Get Smart, and Paranormal Activity 4. He was married to actress Alexondra Lee, whom he met on the set of Oh, Grow Up. He died on his 48th birthday, September 14, 2012, from a heart attack in his Burbank, California home. Here is the tragic story of his life and death.
Early Life and Career
Stephen Dunham was born Stephen Dunham Bowers in Boston, Massachusetts, on September 14, 1964. He grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire, and attended The Brooks School outside Boston. He graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career.
He made his film debut in 1987 in You Talkin’ to Me? and his television debut in 1990 in Grand. He had small roles in several movies and shows, such as Traffic, Catch Me If You Can, Anger Management, and Just Shoot Me!. He also did some stage work, such as playing Romeo in Romeo and Juliet at the La Jolla Playhouse.
Breakthrough Roles
Dunham’s breakthrough role came in 1999, when he played Isaac Henderson, one of the American adventurers who accompanied Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser) in The Mummy. He had originally auditioned for the role of O’Connell, but director Stephen Sommers liked his acting enough to cast him as Henderson instead. The Mummy was a huge success, grossing over $400 million worldwide and spawning two sequels and a spin-off.
Following The Mummy, Dunham landed a starring role in the ABC sitcom Oh, Grow Up, created by Alan Ball. He played Hunter Franklin, one of three college friends who live together as adults. He also met his future wife, Alexondra Lee, who played his love interest on the show. The show was short-lived, lasting only 12 episodes, but Dunham and Lee fell in love and got married in 2005 in the Martha’s Vineyard home of Chevy Chase.
Dunham continued to work in television, playing Agent Edward Pillows, a demoted Secret Service agent, in the NBC comedy DAG, opposite David Alan Grier. He also had a recurring role as Peter, the ex-boyfriend of Valerie Tyler (Jennie Garth), in the WB sitcom What I Like About You. He also starred as Dr. Charlie Thorpe, a handsome and successful gynecologist, in the ABC comedy Hot Properties, alongside Gail O’Grady, Nicole Sullivan, Sofia Vergara, and Christina Moore.
Later Work and Death
Dunham also appeared in several movies, such as Monster-in-Law, where he played Dr. Paul Chamberlain, the fiancé of Jennifer Lopez’s character, who was tormented by his mother-in-law, played by Jane Fonda. He also had a cameo as a Secret Service commander in Get Smart, starring Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway. He also had an uncredited role as one of the mercenaries in Savages, directed by Oliver Stone.
In 2012, Dunham played his final role as Doug Nelson, the father of a family that experiences paranormal activity in their home, in Paranormal Activity 4. He starred alongside his real-life wife, Alexondra Lee, who played his wife in the movie. The movie was released posthumously, as Dunham had died a month before its release.
Dunham suffered a heart attack on September 14, 2012, his 48th birthday, in his Burbank, California home. He was rushed to Providence St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His death was a shock to his family, friends, and fans, who remembered him as a charismatic, funny, and talented actor. The end credits of Paranormal Activity 4 include a dedication to him.
Legacy and Tributes
Stephen Dunham left behind a legacy of memorable performances in television and film. He was praised for his comedic timing, his charm, and his versatility. He was also known for being a loving husband, a loyal friend, and a generous person. He was a lifelong Democrat and supported various causes, such as the National Brain Tumor Society and KIVA.org, an anti-poverty organization.
Many of his co-stars and colleagues paid tribute to him after his death, expressing their sadness and condolences. Brendan Fraser, who worked with him in The Mummy, said, “He was a great guy, a good friend, a fine actor, and a good man.” Jane Fonda, who worked with him in Monster-in-Law, said, “He was a sweet man and a very funny actor. I’m so sorry for his family’s loss.” Steve Carell, who worked with him in Get Smart, said, “He was a very kind and funny person. He will be missed.”
Stephen Dunham’s cause of death was a heart attack, but his life was full of laughter, love, and adventure. He was a talented actor who brought joy to millions of viewers with his roles. He was a devoted husband who shared his passion with his wife. He was a compassionate human being who cared about others. He was gone too soon, but he will not be forgotten.
