Dick Butkus

Biography

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.

Known For

Saturday Night Live

Murder, She Wrote

The Mike Douglas Show

MacGyver

The Love Boat

Magnum, P.I.

Night Court

Coach

All Movies (24)

• Memorial Stadium: True Illini Spirit2008 · as Self
• NFL Moment of Impact2007
• Teddy Bears' Picnic2001 · as Dick Butkus
• Any Given Sunday1999 · as Opposing Coach - Game 3
• The Last Boy Scout1991 · as Himself
• Necessary Roughness1991 · as Convict Football Player
• Gremlins 2: The New Batch1990 · as Dick Butkus
• Spontaneous Combustion1990 · as Lt. General
• Crash Course1988 · as Ed Konner
• The Stepford Children1987 · as Tom Wilcox
• Crunch Course1986 · as Self
• WrestleMania II1986 · as Referee
• Hamburger: The Motion Picture1986 · as Drootin
• Rodney Dangerfield: Exposed!1985 · as himself
• Johnny Dangerously1984 · as Arthur
• Smorgasbord1983 · as Anti-Smoking Enforcer
• Deadly Games1982 · as Joe Adams
• The Legend of Sleepy Hollow1980 · as Brom Bones
• Superdome1978 · as Scott Hennerson
• Gus1976 · as Rob Cargil
• Mother, Jugs & Speed1976 · as Rodeo
• Cry, Onion!1975 · as Jeff
• A Matter of Wife... and Death1975 · as Heavy
• Brian's Song1971 · as Dick Butkus (uncredited)

All TV Shows (41)

• I Didn't Do It2014 · as Himself
• Deal or No Deal2005 · as Self - Supporter
• The Bernie Mac Show2001 · as Dick Butkus
• Inside Schwartz2001 · as Dick Butkus
• Chicago Sons1997
• Early Edition1996 · as Dick Butkus
• Charlie Grace1995 · as Dick Butkus
• Hang Time1995 · as Mike Katowinski
• Burke's Law1994 · as Tony Ward
• Coach1989 · as Dick Butkus
• My Two Dads1987 · as Ed Klawicki
• Matlock1986 · as Vic Garrett / The Annihilator
• Blacke's Magic1986 · as Ruston
• MacGyver1985 · as Earl Dent
• Growing Pains1985 · as Robert
• Half Nelson1985 · as Beau
• Murder, She Wrote1984 · as Tank Mason
• Kate & Allie1984
• Blue Thunder1984 · as Richard Butowski
• Night Court1984 · as Stanley
• Matt Houston1982 · as Crusher Kawalski
• Simon & Simon1981
• The Greatest American Hero1981 · as Coach Andrews
• Magnum, P.I.1980 · as Clarence / Dumbo
• Vega$1978
• Taxi1978 · as Party Guy
• Fantasy Island1978 · as Moose Maloney
• The Love Boat1977 · as Ernie Jordan
• Rich Man, Poor Man1976 · as Al Funducci
• Wonder Woman1975 · as Neil
• Saturday Night Live1975 · as Self (uncredited)
• Joe Forrester1975
• Bronk1975
• The Rockford Files1974 · as Dick Butkus
• Petrocelli1974 · as Bill Eberly
• The Six Million Dollar Man1974 · as Bobby Laport
• Police Story1973
• Police Story1973 · as Selig
• Emergency!1972 · as Dave 'The Animal'
• McMillan & Wife1971 · as Coach
• The Mike Douglas Show1961 · as Self