Person Biography:
Ross Hagen was a talented character actor born Leland LandoLilly on May 21, 1938, in Williams, Arizona. He was the son of LandoIrvin Lilly and Mary Alice Johnson. With his rugged good looks, distinctive deep gravelly voice, and commanding screen presence, Hagen was frequently cast as charming and likable tough guys on both sides of the law in a wide range of films and TV shows.
Hagen began his acting career in the mid-1960s, appearing in guest spots on various television programs before transitioning to exploitation theatrical features. He took on leading roles in films such as The Hellcats (1968),The Mini-Skirt Mob (1968),and Five the Hard Way (1969). Throughout his career, Hagen delivered memorable performances in films like Wonder Women (1973),Bad Charleston Charlie (1973),Avenging Angel (1985),Armed Response (1986),Blood Games (1990),Dinosaur Island (1989),Sideshow (1988),and Murder on the Yellow Brick Road (2005).
Hagen also made guest appearances on numerous TV series, including The Virginian, The Big Valley, The Fugitive, The Invaders, Daktari, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, Mannix, Kung Fu, Mission: Impossible, Cannon, The Wild Wild West, and The Fall Guy. He worked with director Fred Olen Ray on almost 20 films and also directed seven films himself, including The Glove (1979) and B.O.R.N. (1989).
In addition to his acting and directing career, Hagen co-produced and co-wrote a few films. He was married to Claire Polan, who also acted in a few movies with him. The couple briefly ran an acting school together. Sadly, Ross Hagen passed away from cancer at the age of 72 on May 7, 2011.
