Actor Brian Dennehy to discuss career with Phil Donahue

Actor Brian Dennehy will ruminate about his life and lengthy film, theater and television career Feb. 16, at 8 p.m., in an evening sponsored by the Gold Coast International Film Festival and the Town of North Hempstead.

The talk will be led by veteran television host Phil Donahue — it’s billed as “Dennehy by Donahue” — and will take place at the Harbor Links Golf Course in Port Washington. It is the first of several programs scheduled this year to drum up interest for the third annual film festival, organizers said, which is scheduled to begin the week of Oct. 21.

The town recently partnered with the Great Neck Arts Center, which has run the festival in the past, in a bid to save the center.

Organizers said Dennehy, who grew up on Long Island and in Connecticut, will speak about his youth and early acting experiences.

Tickets are available on the film festival’s website, and cost $25 for general seating, or $50 for VIP seating, which includes a meet-and-greet with Dennehy. Tickets can also be purchased on the film festival’s website, or by calling 516-829-2570.