Earned a Master's degree in Speech Communication at Emerson College.
Enjoys dogs, writing, art, cooking, fitness, backpacking and ocean swimming. He is a certified open water diver.
His third wife is artist Kathryn Jacobi.
In 1990, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law.
Is a brother of the Phi Alpha Tau fraternity based out of Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.
The scene where his "L.A. Law" character, Leland McKenzie, the patriarchal and founder of a successful law practice, was discovered in bed with his nemesis/competitor Rosalind Shays (played by Diana Muldaur), was ranked as the 38th greatest moment in television in an issue of EGG magazine. He earned one Emmy Award, and three more nominations, for his role as McKenzie on L.A. Law. He and Muldaur are also off-camera friends.
The scene where his L.A. Law character, Leland, were discovered in bed with his enemy Rosalind, was ranked as the 38th greatest moment in television in the March 1991 issue of EGG magazine.
Twice portrayed President Harry S. Truman in The Winds of War (1988) and Day One (1989).
Worked for a local radio station while growing up in the Kennebac Valley in Maine.
Worked with L.A. Law co-star Diana Muldaur at New York's legendary Circle in the Square Theatre in the 60s. Muldaur has described Dysart as "wonderful" and "a great character actor".