Donny Crane

Donny Crane is a recurring character in the ABC television show Boston Legal, portrayed by Freddie Prinze Jr. He was believed to be Denny Crane's illegitimate son, the product of an affair with an anonymous woman. Denny, however, confessed to Alan Shore, a senior associate at the firm, that when Donny's mother slapped him with a paternity suit, he settled, and Donny's mother later admitted that Denny wasn't the father. Many jokes were made about the closeness of Donny and Denny's names. Just like Denny, Donny also uses his own name as an exclamation at inappropriate times. For example, when Donny's character is first introduced, Denny meets him in a conference room and while shaking hands they repeatedly say their names (Donny Crane and Denny Crane) in succession until the scene ends. At the end of this episode Donny knows that Denny is not his father when he steps in while Denny is telling Alan Shore that he is not Donny's father.

Despite their acknowledged lack of a biological link, Denny Crane still considers Donny a son to him and after some time, Donny came to find a new respect for his 'Father'.