Veteran actor Billy Drago, perhaps best known for his role in the gangster movie The Untouchables, has sadly passed away at the age of 73. The circumstances surrounding his passing haven't yet been made clear, though his rep confirmed the actor died on Monday in Los Angeles. Drago is survived by his sister Patty, brother Steve, sons Darren and Derrick Burrows, and several grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, actress Silvana Gallardo, who passed away in 2012 after 32 years of marriage.
Born Nov. 30, 1945 in Hugoton, Kansas, Drago's given name was William Eugen Burrows Jr. When he pursued show business as he got older, the aspiring actor adopted his grandmother's maiden name, going professionally by Billy Drago. He first found work as a stuntman before later landing a gig as a radio host for a while, eventually joining an acting company which relocated him to Canada and then New York City.
Born Nov. 30, 1945 in Hugoton, Kansas, Drago's given name was William Eugen Burrows Jr. When he pursued show business as he got older, the aspiring actor adopted his grandmother's maiden name, going professionally by Billy Drago. He first found work as a stuntman before later landing a gig as a radio host for a while, eventually joining an acting company which relocated him to Canada and then New York City.
- 6/27/2019
- by Jeremy Dick
- MovieWeb
Billy Drago, a character actor whose best-known roles were as Hollywood villains, has died. He passed on Monday, June 24 in Los Angeles, according to his publicity firm. No cause of death was given.
Born William Eugene Burrows Jr., Drago appeared in more than 100 film and television roles. His most well-known roles were as hitman Frank Nitti in Brian De Palma’s 1987 film The Untouchables and as the Demon of Fear Barbas in TV’s Charmed.
A versatile character actor whose career spanned four decades, Drago worked with Clint Eastwood, Michael Jackson, Chuck Norris and Takashi Miike, among others. His diverse roles spanned action, comedy and horror films, television series, and music videos.
Drago was born July 18, 1946 in Hugoton, Kansas. He began his career in Kansas radio, first as an Associated Press journalist, then as host of his own highly-rated program. A stint with a touring theater group, along with acclaimed performances in New York City,...
Born William Eugene Burrows Jr., Drago appeared in more than 100 film and television roles. His most well-known roles were as hitman Frank Nitti in Brian De Palma’s 1987 film The Untouchables and as the Demon of Fear Barbas in TV’s Charmed.
A versatile character actor whose career spanned four decades, Drago worked with Clint Eastwood, Michael Jackson, Chuck Norris and Takashi Miike, among others. His diverse roles spanned action, comedy and horror films, television series, and music videos.
Drago was born July 18, 1946 in Hugoton, Kansas. He began his career in Kansas radio, first as an Associated Press journalist, then as host of his own highly-rated program. A stint with a touring theater group, along with acclaimed performances in New York City,...
- 6/26/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Big News: Billy Drago
Gather ‘round for some breaking Famous Monsters Convention news, everyone! Billy Drago will be making an ultra-rare convention appearance at FM Con. Stop by the Digital Film Expo where Drago will be signing autographs and answering any filmmaking questions you may have.
Moviegoers may recognize Drago for his uncanny ability to play a villain, something which he has perfected to almost an art, as can be seen in such films as 2006’s The Hills Have Eyes remake and 1987’s The Untouchables, in which Drago gave an unforgettable performance as the menacing henchman Frank Nitti. As Nitti, Drago played Al Capone’s right-hand man, terrorizing Treasury Department agent Eliot Ness and leaving a trail of corpses and chaos in his wake until he is finally killed by Ness.
With his wife Silvana Gallardo, Drago also co-created a series of videos called The Acting Class, which helps aspiring actors develop their skills.
Gather ‘round for some breaking Famous Monsters Convention news, everyone! Billy Drago will be making an ultra-rare convention appearance at FM Con. Stop by the Digital Film Expo where Drago will be signing autographs and answering any filmmaking questions you may have.
Moviegoers may recognize Drago for his uncanny ability to play a villain, something which he has perfected to almost an art, as can be seen in such films as 2006’s The Hills Have Eyes remake and 1987’s The Untouchables, in which Drago gave an unforgettable performance as the menacing henchman Frank Nitti. As Nitti, Drago played Al Capone’s right-hand man, terrorizing Treasury Department agent Eliot Ness and leaving a trail of corpses and chaos in his wake until he is finally killed by Ness.
With his wife Silvana Gallardo, Drago also co-created a series of videos called The Acting Class, which helps aspiring actors develop their skills.
- 6/5/2010
- by Ashleigh
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
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