Dick Butkus, NFL Legend and Prolific TV Star, Dead at 80
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Former Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus, who also appeared in countless films, TV shows and commercials, died Thursday at the age of 80.
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Though an official cause of death was not released, Butkus’ family tells the Chicago Tribune that he died “peacefully in his sleep overnight at home” in Malibu, Calif.
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Along with his legendary career with the Bears, which spanned from 1965 to 1973, Butkus also cultivated an impressive acting resume, appearing in films like Brian’s Song (1971), The Longest Yard (1974) and Any Given Sunday (1999).
Butkus also famously appeared opposite fellow NFL star Bubba Smith in a series of commercials for Miller Lite in the 1970s, making “tastes great, less filling” a household phrase. Watch one such commercial below:
On the small screen, Butkus’ career included series-regular roles on shows like My Two Dads (1987–1989), playing café manager Ed Klawicki, and Hang Time (1998–2000), portraying stern-but-caring high school basketball coach Mike Katowinski. Butkus also made guest appearances on some of TV’s most iconic series, including The Rockford Files, Wonder Woman, Taxi, Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, Matlock, MacGyver and Coach.
His final TV role was playing himself on a 2014 episode of Disney Channel’s I Didn’t Do It.
What are your favorite memories of Butkus? Drop ’em in a comment below.
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