Who was Billy Drago? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: William Eugene Burrows

Died At Age: 73

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Silvana Gallardo (m. 1980–2012)

father: William Burrows

mother: Gladys Burrows

children: Darren E. Burrows

Actors American Men

Height: 5'10" (178 cm), 5'10" Males

Died on: June 24, 2019

place of death: Los Angeles, California, United States

Cause of Death: Stroke

U.S. State: Kansas

More Facts

education: University Of Kansas

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1

What movies did Billy Drago appear in?

Billy Drago appeared in movies such as "The Untouchables," "Pale Rider," "The Hills Have Eyes," "The X-Files: Fight the Future," and "Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection."
2

Was Billy Drago known for playing villains in movies?

Yes, Billy Drago was known for playing villainous roles in various movies and TV shows throughout his career.
3

Did Billy Drago ever play a role in a Western film?

Yes, Billy Drago appeared in several Western films, including "Pale Rider" and "Tremors 4: The Legend Begins."
4

What was Billy Drago's most memorable performance?

Billy Drago's portrayal of Frank Nitti in the movie "The Untouchables" is often considered one of his most memorable performances.
5

Did Billy Drago have any notable collaborations with famous directors?

Yes, Billy Drago worked with acclaimed directors such as Clint Eastwood in "Pale Rider" and Brian De Palma in "The Untouchables."

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Career

Billy Drago started his career in 1979 with a role in the film ‘No Other Love’. This was followed by a role in the thriller flick ‘Cutter's Way’. In 1985, he was cast as Deputy Mather in Clint Eastwood's ‘Pale Rider’. The movie grossed nearly $41 million at the American box office and became the highest grossing western film of the 1980s. That year, the actor also starred in the comedy-drama television series ‘Moonlighting’. After this, he played Frank Nitti in the gangster flick ‘The Untouchables’.

Drago began the next decade with the role of Ramon Cota in ‘Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection’, a sequel to the 1986 ‘The Delta Force’. In 1992, he did the movies ‘Secret Games’, ‘Death Ring’ and ‘Guncrazy’. From 1993 to 1994, he played John Bly in ‘The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.’, a series about a lawyer-turned-bounty hunter who is hired by a group of industrialists to track and take hold of outlaw John Bly and his gang. Soon after this, the actor starred alongside David Naughton, Mark Ruffalo and Monique Parent in the erotic horror film ‘Mirror, Mirror III: The Voyeur’.

In 1999, he joined the cast of ‘Charmed’ as Barbas, a role he played until 2004. During his tenure at the show, he also featured in ‘Mirror, Mirror IV: Reflection’ and ‘Mysterious Skin’. Soon after, he portrayed the character of Papa Jupiter in the horror film ‘The Hills Have Eyes’ that follows a family being targeted by cannibalistic mutants while their car breaks down in a desert. Drago next appeared in the 2008 television series ‘Supernatural’. Three years later, he had a role in Joe Soisson’s ‘Children of the Corn: Genesis’.

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American Film & Theater Personalities

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Family & Personal life

Billy Drago was born as William Eugene Burrows, Jr. on September 18, 1949, in Hugoton, Kansas, USA, to Gladys Marie Wilcox and William Eugene Burrows, Sr., an actor cum director. He graduated from University of Kansas. He took his mother’s maiden name as his stage name to avoid confusion with another actor.

In 1980, Drago married television and film actress Silvana Gallardo. The couple had a son, Darren E. Burrows (also an actor), and stayed together until Gallardo’s death in 2012.

Facts About Billy Drago

Billy Drago was known for his unique style and eccentric personality, often incorporating his love for poetry and art into his acting roles.

He had a distinctive look with his piercing blue eyes and intense gaze, which added to his mysterious and captivating on-screen presence.

Despite often playing villains in his acting career, Billy Drago was described by many who knew him as a warm and kind-hearted person off-screen.

He was a talented musician and songwriter, with a passion for playing the guitar and composing music in his free time.

Billy Drago had a great sense of humor and was known for his quick wit and ability to make those around him laugh, bringing joy to many on set and off.

Billy Drago Biography

You wanted to know

What movies did Billy Drago appear in?

Was Billy Drago known for playing villains in movies?

Did Billy Drago ever play a role in a Western film?

What was Billy Drago's most memorable performance?

Did Billy Drago have any notable collaborations with famous directors?