Billy Green Bush, a charismatic and talented character actor, made a lasting impression in a string of offbeat and cult classic films during the early 1970s. Standing tall at an impressive height, with a ruggedly handsome and rangy physique, Bush often brought to life endearing good ol' boy types, rugged cowboys, and stern police officers.
Born William Warren Bush in 1935, Billy's early years laid the foundation for a remarkable acting career. He burst onto the scene with a standout performance as lazy oil rig worker Elton in Bob Rafelson's critically acclaimed Five Easy Pieces (1970). This was followed by another impressive turn as affably dimwitted partner Zipper to Robert Blake's cop in the remarkable Electra Glide in Blue (1973).
Bush's versatility was on full display in his role as tough-as-nails trail boss Frank Culpepper in the gritty Western The Culpepper Cattle Co. (1972). He also delivered memorable performances as a hard-nosed sheriff in Welcome Home Soldier Boys (1971),a no-nonsense Warden Earl Gulliver in the powerful made-for-TV movie The Jericho Mile (1979),a gruff state trooper Donner in The Hitcher (1986),and a resolute farmer Jay Brown in the creature feature Critters (1986).
In addition to his film work, Bush made numerous guest appearances on popular TV shows, including Hill Street Blues (1981),The A-Team (1983),CHiPs (1977),The Incredible Hulk (1977),The Dukes of Hazzard (1979),Starsky and Hutch (1975),Baretta (1975),M*A*S*H (1972),Gunsmoke (1955),Banyon (1971),Bonanza (1959),The Outer Limits (1963),and Renegade (1992).
Notably, Bush also played the sheriff in the ninth installment of the slasher series, Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993). Following his retirement from acting, Bush has gone on to become the proud father of actor Clay Greenbush and twin actresses Sidney Greenbush and Rachel Lindsay Greenbush.
