In 1985, Warner Brothers released what they called “The next great American Western,” which was titled Pale Rider.
Clint Eastwood produced, directed, and starred in the 1985 film about a mysterious preacher who protects a humble prospector village from a greedy mining company trying to encroach on their land.
Pale Rider earned $41 million at the box office, making it the highest grossing Western of the 1980s. The all-star cast featured Carrie Snodgress, Richard Dysart, John Russell, and Billy Drago just to name a few.
All of theses actors went on to have incredible careers, some won Emmys and others were nominated for Oscars.
Just two years later, Drago – born William Eugene Burrows Jr. – starred in his most well-known role as Al Capone’s henchman Frank Nitti in The Untouchables.
While he is most well known for The Untouchables, his career actually spanned four decades, with his last role being in 2014. He also appeared in Michael Jackson’s music video for “You Rock My World.”
Sadly, on Monday (June 24), the actor passed away in Los Angeles after complications from a stroke at the age of 73, according to Variety.
He is survived by his siblings patty and Steve, his sons Darren and Derrick Burrows, and several grandchildren.
We will keep Drago’s family in our prayers.