Who Is Wilford Brimley? Age, Biography and Wiki
Wilford Charles Brimley was born on September 27, 1934, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He captured the hearts of audiences through numerous roles in film and television, becoming synonymous with warmth and authenticity. Brimley is perhaps best known for his roles in classic films such as "Cocoon," "The Natural," and countless commercials for Quaker Oats and diabetes awareness. With a career that spanned over four decades, Brimley's legacy lives on even after his death on August 1, 2020.
| Occupation | Republicans |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 27, 1934 |
| Age | 85 Years |
| Birth Place | Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 1 August, 2020 |
| Died Place | St. George, Utah, U.S. |
Popularity
Wilford Brimley's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
- Height: 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm)
- Weight: 200 pounds (91 kg) at his peak
- Body Measurements: Although specific measurements are not widely publicized, Brimley was known for his sturdy build and charismatic presence in his later years.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Wilford Brimley was married to his wife, Beverly Berry, for over 30 years until his passing. The couple had four children together. His family remained a crucial part of his life, often mentioned in his interviews. Brimley was known for his commitment to family values, and there are no publicly known relationships or affairs outside of his marriage.
His paternal grandfather was an Englishman from Wigan, while his paternal grandmother's parents were a Scottish couple from Glasgow. His mother was half Danish and also had English, German, Swiss, and Welsh ancestry. Prior to a career in acting, he dropped out of high school at age 14 and worked as a cowboy in Arizona, Idaho, and Nevada.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Wilford Brimley's net worth was estimated to be around $500,000 to $1 million. This wealth was accumulated through acting, endorsements, and various appearances throughout his career. Despite a modest net worth compared to some Hollywood actors, Brimley found success in a variety of roles that endeared him to fans worldwide.
Career, Business and Investments
Brimley's career began in the 1960s, initially gaining notoriety as a stuntman in Westerns. He stumbled into acting in character roles, establishing himself as a talented performer. His most prominent roles in feature films included:
- Cocoon (1985): Portraying Ben Luckett, an older man who discovers rejuvenation after encountering aliens.
- The Natural (1984): Playing a pivotal supporting role, showcasing his ability to captivate audiences.
Anthony Wilford Brimley (September 27, 1934 – August 1, 2020) was an American actor. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and working odd jobs in the 1950s, Brimley started working as an extra and stuntman in Western films in the late 1960s.
He became an established character actor in the 1970s and 1980s in films such as The China Syndrome (1979), The Thing (1982), Tender Mercies (1983), The Natural (1984), and Cocoon (1985). Brimley was known for playing characters at times much older than his age.
He was the long-term face of American television advertisements for the Quaker Oats Company. He also promoted diabetes education and appeared in related television commercials for Liberty Medical, a role for which he became an Internet meme.
Social Network
While Brimley wasn't heavily active on social media platforms during his lifetime, his legacy is celebrated by fans across different networks. Several fan pages on platforms like Facebook and Twitter keep his spirit alive, sharing iconic moments from his career and honoring his contributions to film and health awareness.
Brimley's close friend Robert Duvall (who also appeared in The Natural) was instrumental in securing for him the role of Harry in Tender Mercies (1983).
Duvall, who had not been getting along with director Bruce Beresford, wanted "somebody down here that's on my side, somebody that I can relate to." Beresford felt Brimley was too old for the part but eventually agreed to the casting.
Brimley, like Duvall, clashed with the director; during one instance when Beresford tried to advise Brimley on how Harry would behave, Duvall recalled Brimley responding: "Now look, let me tell you something, I'm Harry. Harry's not over there, Harry's not over here.
Until you fire me or get another actor, I'm Harry, and whatever I do is fine 'cause I'm Harry."
Education
Wilford Brimley did not attend college, having dropped out of high school to join the United States Marine Corps at the age of 18. He gained his experiences and education through life and work in various trades. His practical knowledge and real-world experiences contributed significantly to his authentic portrayals on screen.
In conclusion, Wilford Brimley's larger-than-life persona and legacy continue to resonate with audiences. His contributions to cinema and health awareness have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and remain cherished by fans around the world.
Brimley has been described as "a fine singer with a warm, rich voice". In 1993, Brimley sang with the Cal State Northridge Jazz Band for a concert benefiting the college's Jazz Endowment Scholarship Fund. In 2004, he released This Time, The Dream's On Me, an album of jazz standards named after the Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer-penned title track.
He was also an accomplished harmonica player; during his 2011 appearance on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Brimley performed a lively rendition of "Oh! Susanna" much to the delight, and surprise, of Ferguson and the studio audience.
In 2013, Riders in the Sky partnered with Brimley to produce the album Home on the Range, which featured him singing a variety of country and folk songs.
