Frank McRae, a towering African-American former NFL player with a robust physique, left an indelible mark on the film industry with over 40 notable appearances, predominantly as physically imposing men and authority figures. His versatility shone through in a range of comedic roles, showcasing his ability to adapt to diverse characters.
McRae's cinematic journey began with a memorable performance as "Reed Youngblood," a grinning jail inmate who assisted Warren Oates in his escape in the 1973 film Dillinger. He quickly followed this up with minor tough guy parts in several films, including Hard Times (1975),F.I.S.T. (1978),and Big Wednesday (1978).
However, McRae's talent extended far beyond his tough guy persona. He demonstrated his range by taking on light-hearted and comedic performances in National Lampoon's Vacation (1983),*batteries not included (1987),and as a foul-mouthed mechanic in the hilarious Used Cars (1980). His comedic chops were also on full display in Loaded Weapon 1 (1993),where he delivered a side-splitting performance.
Moreover, McRae's ability to play authority figures was exemplified in his role as Arnold Schwarzenegger's long-suffering police captain in the 1993 film Last Action Hero. Throughout his illustrious career, McRae consistently proved himself to be a talented and versatile actor, capable of bringing depth and humor to a wide range of characters.
