Woody Strode
1914–1994 (age 80)
Actor
Biography
Woody Strode earned national attention as a multi-sport standout at UCLA before becoming one of the few African American players of his day to take the field for the Los Angeles Rams and in the rival AAFC, where his grace and determination spoke louder than words.
He then brought that dignified strength to the silver screen, appearing in films such as Spartacus and The Professionals and opening doors for future generations of actors while remaining a mentor to those seeking to follow in his footsteps.