He is widely recognized for his diverse career as a football player, actor, and former Mayor of Fresno, California. Among his many roles, he is best remembered for portraying Captain Bubba Skinner on the popular television series In the Heat of the Night.
Long before he found fame, he spent his early years working hard in the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, where he would plant and harvest cotton alongside his parents. His journey took a deeply personal turn in 1982, when he met his birth father, Carl Autry, for the very first time while filming the movie Southern Comfort.
He was the mayor of Fresno for nearly a decade, serving from 2000 all the way through 2009. During his time in office, he made a lasting impact on the city’s development and community initiatives. He, being a dedicated public servant, focused on improving infrastructure and supporting local businesses throughout his tenure. His leadership as mayor of Fresno helped shape the city into what it is today.