Fred Williamson, a pro football player who turned to acting in television and movies after a standout
career, celebrates his 83rd birthday today.
Here are five other NFL players who caught the acting bug:
1) Jim Brown, the Hall of Fame running back who appeared alongside Williamson in the films “Three The Hard Way,” Original Gangstas” and “On The Edge.”
2) Merlin Olsen, a defensive standout with the Rams who starred in NBC’s “Father Murphy.”
3) Bubba Smith, who played in two Super Bowls; his best-known film role was as Moses Hightower in the “Police Academy” movies.
4) Alex Karras, a Detroit Lions lineman who had prominent roles in the film “Victor/Victoria” and the TV series “Webster.”
5) Ed Marinaro, who played for three NFL teams before retiring to acting. He played officer Joe Coffey in “Hill Street Blues.”
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