Fred Williamson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fred Williamson
Williamson in 2010
Born	Frederick Robert Williamson (1938-03-05) March 5, 1938 (age 87) Gary, Indiana, U.S.
Other names	The Hammer Black Caesar
Education	Friedrich Froebel High School
Alma mater	Northwestern University
Occupation	Actor film director producer
Years active	1968–present
Spouse(s)	Ginette Lavonda ​ ​ (m. 1960; div. 1967)​ Linda Williamson ​ (m. 1988)​
Children	3 or 6
Football career
No. 24
Position:	Defensive back
Personal information
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	220 lb (100 kg)
Career information
College:	Northwestern
Undrafted:	1960
Career history
Pittsburgh Steelers (1960) Oakland Raiders (1961–1964) Kansas City Chiefs (1965–1967)
Career highlights and awards
AFL champion (1966) 3× AFL All-Star (1961, 1962, 1963)
Career NFL statistics
Interceptions: 36
Player stats at PFR

Frederick Robert Williamson (born March 5, 1938), also known as "The Hammer," is an American actor, director, and former professional American football player. In the 1960s, he was a star defensive back in the American Football League (AFL). After his football career, he became a famous actor, starring in many action movies in the 1970s.

Williamson first played college football at Northwestern University. He played one season in the National Football League (NFL) for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He then joined the AFL, playing for the Oakland Raiders and later the Kansas City Chiefs. He was known for his tough playing style, which earned him the nickname "The Hammer."

After retiring from football in 1968, Williamson became a successful actor. He was a leading star in a genre of films known as blaxploitation, which were popular action movies in the 1970s featuring Black heroes. Some of his famous movies from this time include Hammer (1972), That Man Bolt (1973), and Three the Hard Way (1974). He also began directing and producing his own films.

Early Life and School

Fred Williamson was born in Gary, Indiana. He was the only child of Frank and Lydia Williamson. He went to Froebel High School, where he was a talented athlete in both track and football. After graduating in 1956, he attended Northwestern University on a scholarship and studied architecture.

Pro Football Career

Becoming "The Hammer"

After college, Williamson was signed by the San Francisco 49ers. During training camp, the coaches moved him to the defense. Williamson played so aggressively that the coach told him to stop "hammering" the other players. The name stuck, and he became known as "The Hammer."

Williamson was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers and played for them for one year in 1960. He then moved to the new American Football League (AFL).

AFL Stardom

In the AFL, Williamson became a star. He played for the Oakland Raiders for four seasons and was chosen for the AFL All-Star team three times. Later, he played for the Kansas City Chiefs for three seasons.

As a Chief, Williamson became famous for his confidence and tough talk. He was known for using his forearm to make hard, karate-style hits on opposing players, especially wide receivers (players who catch passes).

Before Super Bowl I against the Green Bay Packers, Williamson famously boasted to reporters that he would knock the Packers' best receivers out of the game. However, during the game, Williamson himself was knocked out in the fourth quarter after his head hit the knee of a Packers player. He also broke his arm in the same game. The Chiefs lost 35–10.

Williamson retired from football in 1967. In his eight-year career, he was known for his hard tackles and for intercepting 36 passes.

Acting Career

Williamson at a film festival in 2008.

After football, Williamson moved to Hollywood. He appeared in the TV show Star Trek: The Original Series in the 1969 episode "The Cloud Minders". He also had a recurring role on the sitcom Julia.

His movie career took off in the 1970s. He often starred alongside other famous athletes-turned-actors like Jim Brown. They appeared together in movies like Three the Hard Way (1974) and Take a Hard Ride (1975).

In 1974, Williamson was briefly hired as a commentator for Monday Night Football. However, the network decided he was not the right fit after a few preseason games.

Directing and Producing

Williamson didn't just want to act; he also wanted to make his own movies. In the mid-1970s, he moved to Rome, Italy, and started his own film company called Po' Boy Productions.

He began directing and starring in his own action films, such as Adios Amigo (1976) and Death Journey (1976). He has directed over 20 movies and continues to be an active filmmaker.

Personal Life

Williamson has been married twice. His first marriage was to Ginette Lavonda from 1960 to 1967. He has been married to Linda Williamson since 1988. He has at least three children. For many years, Williamson has lived in Palm Springs, California.

Selected Filmography

Williamson has appeared in over 100 movies and TV shows. Here are some of his most well-known roles.

Film

Television

See also

In Spanish: Fred Williamson para niños

• List of American Football League players