Person

Dick Butkus

Acting · 1942–2023 · Chicago, Illinois, USA

Richard Marvin Butkus (December 9, 1942 - October 5, 2023) was an American former professional football player, sports commentator, and actor. He played football as a middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL) from 1965 to 1973. He was invited to eight Pro Bowls, named a first-team All-Pro six times, and was twice recognized by his peers as the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year. He was renowned as a fierce tackler and for the relentless effort with which he played and is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most intimidating linebackers in pro football history.

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  Saturday Night Live

  Self (uncredited)

• 

  The Mike Douglas Show

  Self

• 

  Murder, She Wrote

  Tank Mason

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  MacGyver

  Earl Dent

• 

  Emergency!

  Dave 'The Animal'

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  Night Court

  Stanley

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  The Love Boat

  Ernie Jordan

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  Matlock

  Vic Garrett / The Annihilator

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  Taxi

  Party Guy

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  Simon & Simon

  1981

• 2014I Didn't Do ItHimself
• 2008Memorial Stadium: True Illini SpiritSelf
• 2007NFL Moment of Impact
• 2005Deal or No DealSelf - Supporter
• 2001The Bernie Mac ShowDick Butkus
• 2001Inside SchwartzDick Butkus
• 2001Teddy Bears' PicnicDick Butkus
• 1999Any Given SundayOpposing Coach - Game 3
• 1997Chicago Sons
• 1996Early EditionDick Butkus
• 1995Charlie GraceDick Butkus
• 1995Hang TimeMike Katowinski
• 1994Burke's LawTony Ward
• 1991The Last Boy ScoutHimself
• 1991Necessary RoughnessConvict Football Player
• 1990Gremlins 2: The New BatchDick Butkus
• 1990Spontaneous CombustionLt. General
• 1989CoachDick Butkus
• 1988Crash CourseEd Konner
• 1987My Two DadsEd Klawicki
• 1987The Stepford ChildrenTom Wilcox
• 1986Crunch CourseSelf
• 1986WrestleMania IIReferee
• 1986MatlockVic Garrett / The Annihilator
• 1986Hamburger: The Motion PictureDrootin
• 1986Blacke's MagicRuston
• 1985MacGyverEarl Dent
• 1985Growing PainsRobert
• 1985Half NelsonBeau
• 1985Rodney Dangerfield: Exposed!himself
• 1984Johnny DangerouslyArthur
• 1984Murder, She WroteTank Mason
• 1984Kate & Allie
• 1984Blue ThunderRichard Butowski
• 1984Night CourtStanley
• 1983SmorgasbordAnti-Smoking Enforcer
• 1982Deadly GamesJoe Adams
• 1982Matt HoustonCrusher Kawalski
• 1981Simon & Simon
• 1981The Greatest American HeroCoach Andrews
• 1980Magnum, P.I.Clarence / Dumbo
• 1980The Legend of Sleepy HollowBrom Bones
• 1978Vega$Vinnie Trancas
• 1978TaxiParty Guy
• 1978Fantasy IslandMoose Maloney
• 1978SuperdomeScott Hennerson
• 1977The Love BoatErnie Jordan
• 1976GusRob Cargil
• 1976Mother, Jugs & SpeedRodeo
• 1976Rich Man, Poor ManAl Funducci
• 1975Wonder WomanNeil
• 1975Saturday Night LiveSelf (uncredited)
• 1975Joe Forrester
• 1975Cry, Onion!Jeff
• 1975Bronk
• 1975A Matter of Wife... and DeathHeavy
• 1974The Rockford FilesDick Butkus
• 1974PetrocelliBill Eberly
• 1974The Six Million Dollar ManBobby Laport
• 1973Police Story
• 1972Emergency!Dave 'The Animal'
• 1971Brian's SongDick Butkus (uncredited)
• 1971McMillan & WifeCoach
• 1961The Mike Douglas ShowSelf