Alex Karras got further into acting after his successful career as a professional football player ended. Upon retiring from the NFL, Karras pursued different opportunities in the entertainment industry beyond the smaller roles he landed while he was an active player. FSM presents the abridged version of his foray into acting and discusses his top 3 comedy performances:
Alex Karras played as a defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL) from 1958 to 1970. He had a notable career and was known for his strong presence on the field. Following his retirement from football, Karras ventured into sports broadcasting. He worked as a color commentator for NFL games and also had a stint as a co-host on “Monday Night Football” in the mid-1970s.
Karras made his acting debut in the late 1960s, appearing in a few guest roles on television shows such as “Daniel Boone” and “The Bing Crosby Show.” These early experiences sparked his interest in pursuing acting further. It was once retired however that his roles became larger and more prominent, as he had more time to dedicate to his new craft. His roles often matched his personality on the field – loud, boisterous and no nonsense.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Karras began to land his most notable roles in film and television and FSM has ranked the Top 3 comedic ones for your reading pleasure.
- Mongo in “Blazing Saddles” (1974): Karras played the character of Mongo, a hulking and dim-witted brute in Mel Brooks’ iconic comedy film. His portrayal of Mongo and the memorable scene of him punching out a horse made him a fan favorite.
- Sheriff Wallace in “Porky’s” (1981): In this raunchy teen comedy, Karras portrayed the role of Porky’s brother, a corrupt Sheriff who helps with straightening out wild teens from other counties. His comedic timing and tough-guy persona certainly enhance the film’s humor.
- Doc in “Webster” (TV Series, 1983-1989): Karras’ portrayal of George Papadopoulos, or “Doc,” in the television series “Webster” captured the hearts of viewers for many years. This popular sitcom followed the lives of a young orphan (played by Emanuel Lewis) and the couple who adopted him. Karras’ portrayal of the kind-hearted and lovable father figure earned him recognition and popularity among TV audiences across the board. He mostly made audiences laugh while hitting the serious notes as needed.
Alex Karras passed away on October 10, 2012 due to kidney failure. His death marked the end of a remarkable life that encompassed achievements in both professional football and acting.Throughout his acting career, he showcased his skills and versatility, transitioning from his football background to become a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
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