He’s perhaps best known for his memorable character roles in films like Marie (1985), Fried Green Tomatoes (1991), and the intense Falling Down (1993)—performances that really solidified his reputation in Hollywood. And it’s not just the big screen; he also made a lasting impression on television, appearing in popular shows such as Three’s Company, The Waltons, The Bronx Zoo, and even The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. But before all the fame and recognition, his journey began much earlier. After serving honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War, he found his calling in acting. He started out in the early 1970s with powerful performances in Broadway productions like The Playboy of the Western World, An Enemy of the People, Antigone, and The Last of Mrs. Lincoln. That stage experience paved the way for his film debut in the critically acclaimed 1972 thriller Deliverance, which marked the beginning of a remarkable cinematic career. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, he wasn’t just building a personal legacy—he was helping shape the local arts scene too, playing a key role in founding a stage company known as the Front Street Theatre. His story is one of dedication, resilience, and deep commitment to the craft.