Born on April 12, 1936, in Kentucky, he was a versatile character actor known for his rugged looks and distinctive voice. After serving in the U.S. Army, he pursued acting, achieving fame in the 1970s and 80s. He frequently collaborated with directors like Jonathan Demme and appeared in films such as "The Blues Brothers," "Rambo: First Blood Part II," and "Silence of the Lambs." He also lent his voice to animated series. He passed away on October 5, 2011.