American character actor, renowned for his tough, rugged on-screen presence, often portraying gruff westerners, irate cops, and hard-boiled gangsters, yet possessing a decorated Korean War veteran background.
A seasoned stage performer, Bieri made his debut on Broadway in 1954, appearing in notable productions such as 'Death of a Salesman' in 1975, and later joined the ensemble of San Diego's Old Globe Theatre, where he notably played the role of a tough captain in 'Mr. Roberts' in 1995.
His on-screen career spanned over four decades, beginning with small roles in 1962, before transitioning into a prolific guest star on 1970s and 1980s TV shows. He excelled in his portrayal of cantankerous police chiefs in 'Cannon' in 1971 and 'Kolchak: The Night Stalker' in 1974, and further showcased his acting prowess in weightier roles, including local banker Elija Crow in 'Bret Maverick' in 1981, General Philip Sheridan in 'How the West Was Won' in 1976, and Mafia chieftain Guido Quintana in 'The Sicilian' in 1987.
Despite his impressive screen presence, Bieri's larger-than-life persona often overshadowed his performances, leading to the relatively short-lived run of his own NBC sitcom, 'Joe's World', in 1979, where he played a Detroit house painter with five kids and various problems.
In his private life, Bieri was an avid fisherman and sailor. He passed away in May 2001, at the age of 71, in Woodland Hills, California, due to complications from cancer.
