Jack Lee Ging, born in November 1931, in Alva, Oklahoma, was the son of farmers who eventually divorced, leaving him in the care of another family. He spent his early years in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he attended a Catholic school.
Ging's early life took a dramatic turn when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps at MCB Quantico, serving four years and earning an honorable discharge. After his military service, he pursued his passion for athletics, playing college football as a halfback at the University of Oklahoma, and even had a professional season with the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian league.
Following his athletic endeavors, Ging turned to acting, studying drama under the renowned Sanford Meisner in New York. He began his screen career in 1958, primarily appearing on television as a supporting actor, and went on to alternate between villainous and middle-echelon army officers and policemen.
Ging's exceptional riding skills, acquired during his childhood, served him well in numerous western appearances. He had a notable starring turn in the Korean War drama Sniper's Ridge (1961),playing the only capable trooper among a platoon of misfits.
Ging also appeared in three Clint Eastwood films: Play Misty for Me (1971),Hang 'Em High (1968),and High Plains Drifter (1973),where he played the doomed outlaw Morgan Allen. He is possibly best remembered for his role as Gen. Harlan 'Bull' Fulbright in The A-Team (1983).
Ging had recurring roles in several TV shows, including Mackenzie's Raiders (1958),Tales of Wells Fargo, Mannix (1967),and Riptide (1984). He made his last TV guest appearance in 1994.
Outside of acting, Ging had a successful real estate career and was known for his expertise in golf, even winning the Clint Eastwood Celebrity Tennis tournament at one point.
