Actor and NFL star Bernie Casey died in Los Angeles on Tuesday at the age of 78 following a brief illness. Born in Wyco, West Virginia on June 8, 1939, he first rose to success as a wide receiver with the NFL during the early 1960s (when he played for the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams). Following a distinguished on-field career — one that saw him play in the 1967 Pro Bowl — he transitioned to acting, whereupon he took roles in films like Brian’s Song, Gargoyles, Cleopatra Jones, the underrated Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde, Revenge of the Nerds, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. Star Trek fans remember him from the 1994 Deep Space Nine two-part episode “The Maquis,” a role that allowed him to flex his dramatic muscles. In his free time, Casey enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, as well as painting and writing poetry. Looking back on his filmography, it’s stunning the diverse productions that he has a crucial part of — from dramas to blockbusters to cult hits. He will be remembered for his everyman qualities and for portraying characters that were as memorable and fascinating as Casey himself was — both on and offscreen.
