Billy Drago

Billy Drago

Deceased · Born: Nov 30, 1945 · Died: Jun 24, 2019

Personal Details

BornNov 30, 1945 Hugoton, Kansas, USA
Parents
  • William Burrows
  • Gladys Burrows

Biography

William Eugene Burrows, professionally known as Drago, was a renowned actor, particularly recognized for his captivating portrayals of villainous characters. His rugged yet intimidating physical appearance, complemented by his sinister smile, added to his on-screen presence. Born in Hugoton, Kansas, Drago developed an interest in acting and adopted his mother's maiden name as his stage name.

Initially, he worked as a stuntman in his native Kansas before attending the University of Kansas. Following his graduation, he pursued a career in radio hosting before joining an acting troupe that led him to New York. Drago's acting career began in the late 1970s.

Throughout his career, he made numerous appearances on television, including guest roles in various series. He also appeared in a range of low-budget films, such as Windwalker (1980),Vamp (1986),Hunter's Blood (1986),Freeway (1988),Dark Before Dawn (1988),Gwang tin lung fo wooi (1989),True Blood (1989),Martial Law II: Undercover (1991),Lady Dragon 2 (1993),and Cyborg 2: Glass Shadow (1993).

In addition to his film work, Drago appeared in the popular television series Walker, Texas Ranger (1993). He also made notable appearances in Mad Dog Time (1996),Tremors 4: The Legend Begins (2004),and The Hills Have Eyes (2006),playing the leader of mutant nomads in the remake. Drago's extensive work on television included a notable role on Charmed (1998).

Furthermore, he produced an instructional acting video with his wife, Silvana Gallardo, showcasing his dedication to the craft. Throughout his career, Drago consistently demonstrated his versatility and range as an actor, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Career

2014
2012
Night of the Templar
Night of the Templar as Shauna the Chef
Rounds
Rounds as Edward
2010
World's End
World's End as Edward
2009
Dark Moon Rising
Dark Moon Rising as Thibodeaux
Ghost Town
Ghost Town as Reb Halland
2008
Copperhead
Copperhead as Jesse Evans
2007
Lime Salted Love
Lime Salted Love as Zephyr's Stepdad
The Dead One
The Dead One as The Old Indian
Zombie Hunters
Zombie Hunters as Mr. Frankfurt
Revamped
Revamped as Vladimus
2006
The Hills Have Eyes
The Hills Have Eyes as Papa Jupiter
13 Graves
13 Graves as Red Maines
Masters of Horror
Masters of Horror as Christopher
2005
Demon Hunter
Demon Hunter as Asmodeus
2004
Fort Doom
Fort Doom as Mr. Fallow
2002
2001
Death Game
Death Game as Shakes Montrose
2000
Strike Zone
Strike Zone as Alex Goddard
Mirror Mirror 4: Reflections
Mirror Mirror 4: Reflections as Frederick Champion
1999
Lima: Breaking the Silence
Lima: Breaking the Silence as General Monticito Frantacino
Soccer Dog: The Movie
Soccer Dog: The Movie as The Dog Catcher (Damon Fleming)
1998
Monkey Business
Monkey Business as Branson (voice)
1997
Convict 762
Convict 762 as Mannix
1996
Sci-fighters
Sci-fighters as Adrian Dunn
Blood Money
Blood Money as Agent Pierce
1995
Drifting School
Drifting School as Thomas King
Phoenix
Phoenix as Kilgore
The Takeover
The Takeover as Daniel Stein
1994
Never Say Die
Never Say Die as Reverend James
1993
The Outfit
The Outfit as Lucky Luciano
Deadly Heroes
Deadly Heroes as Jose Maria Carlos
1992
Guncrazy
Guncrazy as Hank
Death Ring
Death Ring as Danton Vachs
Secret Games
Secret Games as Mark Langford
1991
1989
True Blood
True Blood as Billy "Spider" Masters
1988
Hero and the Terror
Hero and the Terror as Dr. Highwater
Freeway
Freeway as Edward Anthony Heller
Dark Before Dawn
Dark Before Dawn as Cabalista Leader
1987
1986
Vamp
Vamp as Snow
1985
Pale Rider
Pale Rider as Deputy Mather
1982
1981
Cutter's Way
Cutter's Way as Garbage Man
1979
2007