Alex Karras

A gridiron star turned Hollywood actor, Alex Karras was born July 15, 1935, in Gary, Ind. During his 12-year stint as a defensive tackle with the Detroit Lions, he dabbled in acting -- which included an engaging appearance as himself in Paper Lion (1968).

When Karras hung up his cleats, he leveraged his muscle into a Tinseltown career, beginning with guest spots on shows such as "Love, American Style" and "The Odd Couple." But in 1974, he was cast in the role for which he's best known: Mongo, the dim-bulb brute who punches out a horse in Blazing Saddles. Returning to television in 1983, Karras took on the part of Emmanuel Lewis' adoptive father on the sitcom "Webster."

Other notable work for Karras includes playing an immigrant farmer in the miniseries "Centennial" (1978) and a closeted bodyguard in Victor/Victoria (1981). He was wed to "Webster" co-star Susan Clark from 1980 until his death on Oct. 10, 2012.

Filmography