Anecdotes

Was a bodyguard to Howard Hughes.

He was only 49 when he was cast as a senior citizen for Cocoon (1985), and turned 50 during filming. He was at least 20 years younger than any of the actors playing the other elderly characters.

Was a talented jazz singer who recorded several albums and played successful club engagements.

He was a farmer and rodeo rider who, after gaining weight, became a blacksmith and then a film actor.

Known to loosen up cast mates, with small practical jokes, between takes. For example, while filming Cocoon, le retour (1988), Courteney Cox was caught off guard by whoopee cushion pranks.

Enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict and spent three years in the Aleutian Islands.

Had a recurring role on La famille des collines (1972). At the prodding of series star Ralph Waite, Brimley became a charter member of Waite's Los Angeles Actors Theater.

Despite playing Kevin Kline 's father in In & Out (1997), Brimley was only 13 years older.

Wilford's paternal grandfather was an English emigrant, born in Wigan, Lancashire, while Wilford's paternal grandmother's parents were Scottish, from Glasgow. Wilford's mother was of half Danish descent, with her other roots being Welsh, English, German, and Swiss-German.

Had four sons with his wife, Lynne Brimley: Jim Brimley, John Brimley, Bill Brimley, and Lawrence Brimley (deceased).

His first acting roles were in the '60s as a riding extra/stuntman in westerns. At that time he used the name Anthony (Tony) Brimley.

Known for his Quaker Oats commercials.

Had diabetes and served as a spokesperson for the diabetes testing-supplies company Liberty Medical.

Upon his death, he was cremated and his ashes returned to his family.

He was the son of Lola Samantha (Nelson) and Wilford Charles Brimley, a real estate broker.

A controversial activist, he paid from his own funds for ads to have Utah allow horse-race gambling, and he was actively opposed to the banning of cockfighting. He campaigned in Arizona and New Mexico against laws banning cockfighting.

Was often mistaken for the trolley conductor in the 1991 Hardee's (now Carl's Junior) TV commercials for the Frisco Burger.

Brother of Sterling Brimley.