Dennis Letts, who made his Broadway debut earlier this season as the patriarch of son Tracy Letts' acclaimed August: Osage County, died on February 22 of cancer in his home city of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was 73 years old.

In a statement, Tracy Letts said, “My father was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in September of last year, following the Chicago run of August: Osage County and prior to the Broadway transfer. His choice to persevere with the New York production in the face of his devastating diagnosis is a testament to his love for the project and the people involved. Dad had a full and fascinating life, and August: Osage County was the cherry on top. My family will be forever grateful for the many kindnesses shown to Dad by the wonderful people associated with the production.”

Originally an English professor at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Dennis Letts started acting at the age of 50, going on to appear in numerous films and TV shows. He appeared in August: Osage County at Steppenwolf Theatre Company in 2007 and received treatments for cancer throughout his run on Broadway. Letts departed the production in late January.

In a November 6 First Person feature that Letts wrote for Broadway.com, he revealed his formula for success in show business: “Meet exciting people. Don't spend time with dolts. And father a son who is so brilliant, you don't know how he got that way. Be lucky. Be thankful.”

Letts is survived by his wife, novelist Billie Letts, and sons Tracy, Dana and Shawn.