Fred Williamson

FredWilliamsonJun10

American actor and former professional football player

Fred Williamson

Name	Fred Williamson
Birth name
Birth date	March 5, 1938
Birth place	Gary, Indiana, U.S.
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, professional football player
Years active	1968–present
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)	Linda Williamson
Website

Frederick Robert Williamson (born March 5, 1938) is an American actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, and former professional American football player. He is best known for his roles in blaxploitation films of the 1970s and for his portrayal of strong, tough characters in various action films.

Early life

Fred Williamson was born in Gary, Indiana. He attended Froebel High School and later went to Northwestern University on a football scholarship. At Northwestern, he played as a defensive back and was known for his athletic prowess.

Professional football career

After college, Williamson played professional football in the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL). He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders, and Kansas City Chiefs. He earned the nickname "The Hammer" due to his aggressive playing style and hard-hitting tackles.

Acting career

Williamson transitioned to acting in the late 1960s. He gained fame for his roles in blaxploitation films such as Black Caesar and Hell Up in Harlem. He also appeared in mainstream films like M*A*S*H and From Dusk till Dawn.

In addition to acting, Williamson has directed and produced several films. He often stars in his own productions, maintaining creative control over his projects. His work in the film industry has made him a prominent figure in African-American cinema.

Personal life

Fred Williamson is married to Linda Williamson, and they have three children. He is known for his disciplined lifestyle and commitment to fitness, which he attributes to his success both on and off the screen.

Filmography

Selected films

• Black Caesar (1973)
• Hell Up in Harlem (1973)
• Three the Hard Way (1974)
• Bucktown (1975)
• From Dusk till Dawn (1996)

See also

• Blaxploitation
• African-American cinema
• List of American football players

External links

Fred Williamson on IMDb