R.I.P.: Prolific character actor Billy Drago has passed away

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

There's sad news to report today, as it has been revealed that character actor Billy Drago passed away on Monday due to complications from a stroke. He was 73.

Even if you didn't know the name "Billy Drago", if you ever saw a movie this unique actor was in there was a good chance he stood out to you, and if you saw him again in something else you'd remember "that guy". Nobody else had a presence quite like his. Even if he was playing a run-of-the-mill character, he never came off like a run-of-the-mill actor.

During a screen acting career that spanned 40 years, Drago racked up over 100 credits. His most famous role came in Brian De Palma's 1987 film THE UNTOUCHABLES, where he played Al Capone's henchman Nitti. He menaced Bruce Campbell as the primary villain in the short-lived but awesome series The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.; he was on episodes of Friday the 13th: The Series, Supernatural, Charmed, and The X-Files; he appeared in multiple Chuck Norris projects (INVASION USA, HERO AND THE TERROR, DELTA FORCE 2, an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger); and made appearances in a lot of horror and action movies, mostly of the low budget variety. Within the last month I have seen him in two different low-rent action flicks from the '90s, MARTIAL LAW II and CYBORG 2.

Drago's horror credits include VAMP, MIRROR MIRROR 3 and 4, TREMORS 4, Takashi Miike's Masters of Horror contribution IMPRINT, the remake of THE HILLS HAVE EYES, and CHILDREN OF THE CORN: GENESIS.

The Hollywood Reporter offers some information on his life: 

Drago was born in Hugoton, Kansas, to William Eugene Burrows Sr. and Gladys Marie Wilcox. 

A journalist for the Associated Press in his younger years, Drago became a fixture on Kansas radio, which led to him hosting his own highly rated program. His road to Hollywood was paved after a stint with a touring theater group, along with acclaimed performances in New York City.

The actor is remembered as a fearless artist and poet who tackled his work with intensity and pushed creative boundaries while encouraging his peers and those new to the business. He enjoyed traveling across the globe, from Indonesia to Israel.

Drago was preceded in death by his wife of around thirty years, Silvana Gallardo. She passed away in 2012. He is survived by his sister Patty, brother Steve, sons Darren and Derrick, and several grandchildren.

Our sincere condolences go out to Drago's family, friends, and fans. He was definitely a performer who will never be forgotten.