Biography

Was a bodyguard to Howard Hughes.

He was only 49 when he was cast as a senior citizen for Cocoon (1985), and turned 50 during filming. He was at least 20 years younger than any of the actors playing the other elderly characters.

Was a talented jazz singer who recorded several albums and played successful club engagements.

He was a farmer and rodeo rider who, after gaining weight, became a blacksmith and then a film actor.

Known to loosen up cast mates, with small practical jokes, between takes. For example, while filming Cocoon, le retour (1988), Courteney Cox was caught off guard by whoopee cushion pranks.

Look, I like people very much. I'm not very good with people, but that doesn't mean I don't like them. I do like them. Because we actors are on that great big screen and so many people see us, we become familiar. People speak to us as if they've known us all our lives. That just tickles me to death.

I just try to be myself. (on his acting technique)

I thought The Thing stunk. The instant [John Carpenter] said, 'Action,' I knew I was in deep water.

[on Où sont passés les Morgan? (2009)]: It was somewhat of a substandard movie.

I'm never the leading man. I never get the girl. And I never get to take my shirt off. I started by playing fathers to guys who were 25 years older than I was.