Wilford's paternal grandfather was an English immigrant, born in Blackrod, Lancashire, while Wilford's paternal grandmother's parents were Scottish, from Glasgow. Wilford's mother was of half Danish descent, with her other roots being Welsh, English, German, and Swiss-German.
Wilford Brimley is an American actor. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on September 27, 1934, to parents William and Louise Brimley. He has four siblings: two brothers and two sisters. Brimley attended Granite High School, where he was active in sports and played football. After graduation, he served in the United States Marine Corps for two years.
He then attended the University of Utah on a football scholarship, but was injured and had to stop playing. He began his acting career in the 1960s, appearing in several television shows and movies. Brimley’s breakout role came in the 1980s, when he appeared in the movie The China Syndrome. He has since appeared in many other movies and television shows.
Brimley is married to Beverly Berry. They have three children: William, John, and George. Brimley has a net worth of $16 million. ..
John Brimley, Bill Brimley, Lawrence Dean Brimley, Jim Brimley
Accomplishments
Movies
The Thing, Cocoon, The Firm, The Natural, The China Syndrome, Absence of Malice, Hard Target, Crossfire Trail, In & Out, Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins, Tender Mercies, My Fellow Americans, Did You Hear About the Morgans?, Ewoks: The Battle for Endor, High Road to China, The Stone Boy, Brubaker...
I thought The Thing stunk. The instant [John Carpenter] said, 'Action,' I knew I was in deep water.
3
I just try to be myself. (on his acting technique)
4
Look, I like people very much. I'm not very good with people, but that doesn't mean I don't like them. I do like them. Because we actors are on that great big screen and so many people see us, we become familiar. People speak to us as if they've known us all our lives. That just tickles me to death.
Facts
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Fact
1
Is a talented jazz singer who has recorded several albums and played successful club engagements.
2
Wilford's paternal grandfather was an English immigrant, born in Blackrod, Lancashire, while Wilford's paternal grandmother's parents were Scottish, from Glasgow. Wilford's mother was of half Danish descent, with her other roots being Welsh, English, German, and Swiss-German.
3
Was often mistaken for the trolley conductor in the 1991 Hardee's (now Carl's Junior) TV commercials for the Frisco Burger.
4
Father was a real estate broker.
5
His first acting roles were in the 60s as a riding extra/stuntman in westerns. At that time he used the name Anthony (Tony) Brimley.
6
A controversial activist, he paid from his own funds for ads to have Utah allow horse-race gambling, and he was actively opposed to the banning of cockfighting. He has campaigned in Arizona and New Mexico against laws banning cockfighting.
7
Had a recurring role on The Waltons (1971). At the prodding of series star Ralph Waite, Brimley became a charter member of Waite's Los Angeles Actors Theater.
8
Known for his Quaker Oats commercials.
9
Known to loosen up cast mates, with small practical jokes, between takes. For example, while filming Cocoon: The Return (1988), Courteney Cox was caught off guard by whoopee cushion pranks.
10
Has four sons with his wife, Lynne Brimley: Jim Brimley, John Brimley, Bill Brimley, and Lawrence Brimley (deseased).
11
Enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict and spent three years in the Aleutian Islands.
12
Has diabetes and has served as a spokesperson for the diabetes testing-supplies company Liberty Medical.
