Billy Drago American actor Date of Birth: 30.11.1945 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Career
2. Rise to Prominence
3. The Untouchables and Beyond
4. Charmed and Horror Films
5. Music Videos and Personal Life
6. Legacy and Passing

Early Life and Career

William Eugene Burrows Jr. was born on November 30, 1945, in Hugoton, Kansas, to William Franklin Burrows Jr. and Gladys Mary Wilcox. He adopted his grandmother's maiden name, Drago, to avoid confusion with another actor. Billy's paternal ancestry was rumored to include the Chiricahua Apache tribe, while his mother had claimed Romani heritage.

After graduating high school, Drago worked as a stuntman in Dodge City, Kansas, before attending the University of Kansas. He briefly became a radio DJ before joining an acting company that brought him through Canada and eventually New York City.

Rise to Prominence

Drago's acting debut came in 1979 with the telefilm "No Other Love" and the films "Windwalker" and "Cutter's Way." He began making guest appearances on popular television series such as "Hill Street Blues," "Moonlighting," "Walker, Texas Ranger," and "Trapper John, M.D."

The Untouchables and Beyond

In 1987, Drago gained wider recognition for his role as Al Capone's henchman, Frank Nitti, in the film "The Untouchables." This led to more film and television roles, including appearances in "The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr." and "The X-Files."

Charmed and Horror Films

Drago's distinctive appearance and menacing smile made him a natural fit for villains. He played the upper-level demon Barbas, the demon of fear, in the television series "Charmed." Originally intended as a one-episode appearance, the character became so popular that it returned in six additional episodes.

Drago also starred in horror films such as "Tremors 4: The Legend Begins," Gregg Araki's "Mysterious Skin," and "Children of the Corn: Genesis." He played a cannibalistic mutant in the 2006 remake of "The Hills Have Eyes," as well as a zombie hunter in "Zombie Hunters."

Music Videos and Personal Life

In 2001, Drago appeared in Michael Jackson's music video for "You Rock My World." Earlier, in 1985, he portrayed a mysterious stranger in the Mike + The Mechanics music video for "Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)." Billy was the father of actor Darren E. Burrows, born in 1966. His wife, actress Silvana Gallardo, passed away in 2012 at the age of 58.

Legacy and Passing

Billy Drago died on June 25, 2019, in Los Angeles, from complications of a stroke. He was 73 years old. Drago's portrayal of menacing characters left an unforgettable mark on audiences in both film and television.