Frank McRae, born on June 3, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, was an accomplished American actor and a former professional football player. He earned a double degree in drama and history from Tennessee State University, showcasing his diverse talents early on. In the 1967 NFL season, McRae played as a defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears, marking his transition from sports to the entertainment industry.
Throughout his acting career, McRae took on a variety of memorable roles. He portrayed Mr. Teasdale, a history teacher, in the iconic film Red Dawn and played bank robber Reed Youngblood in Dillinger. His performances included characters such as Hazel in Cannery Row and Spanky in The Wizard. Notably, he appeared alongside James Bond in the 1989 film Licence to Kill as Sharkey and portrayed inmate Eclipse in Lock Up. His role as a loud police captain in 48 Hrs. became a memorable highlight, one he humorously parodied in Last Action Hero and Loaded Weapon 1.
McRae also formed a comedic duo with John Candy, starring as bumbling soldiers in the cult classic 1941 and as security guards in National Lampoon's Vacation. Other notable appearances included Jim, the Mechanic in Used Cars and Sergeant Tenga in Farewell to the King. His final role was as a guest star on the television series ER. Frank McRae passed away on April 29, 2021, leaving behind a legacy of diverse contributions to both sports and film.
