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Ken Swofford
Born
Kenneth Charles Swofford

(1933-07-25)July 25, 1933
Du Quoin, Illinois, U.S.
Died November 1, 2018(2018-11-01) (aged 85)
Pacific Grove, California, U.S.
Occupation Actor, voice actor, script writer
Years active 1962–2004; 2018
Spouse(s) Barbee Biggs (1958–2018; his death)
Children 5

Kenneth Charles Swofford (born July 25, 1933 – died November 1, 2018) was an American actor. He was known for his strong build and red hair. He often played characters like villains, police officers, or just regular everyday people.

He acted in many popular movies like Thelma & Louise and The Andromeda Strain. On TV, he was in shows such as Gunsmoke, The Rockford Files, Fame, and Murder, She Wrote.

About Ken Swofford's Life

Ken Swofford was born on July 25, 1933. His parents were Howard and Goldie Swofford. He studied theater at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and graduated in 1959.

In 1976, Ken talked about what he liked about being an actor. He said it allowed him to spend more time with his children. He also liked the freedom to do other jobs. He once said, "If you're an actor, you can do anything. I have cleaned carpets, painted houses, worked on loading docks. It didn't bother me, because I could always act and enjoy myself."

He met Barbee Biggs in 1958 while they were performing in summer plays. They got married and had five children. The Swoffords also shared their experiences raising their son Brendan, who had autism, showing how he thrived in their loving family.

Later Roles and Passing

In 2001, Ken Swofford used his voice for the character of the coach in the movie Recess: School's Out. He also voiced Officer White in Teacher's Pet in 2004. This was his last role before he officially retired from acting.

However, in 2018, he returned to voice a character. He played Happy the Angry Polar Bear in a film. This movie was written and directed by his grandson, Brandon.

Ken Swofford passed away on November 1, 2018. His grandson Brandon shared the news on Twitter.

Movies and TV Shows

Ken Swofford appeared in many films and television series throughout his career.

Film Appearances

  • Captain Newman, M.D. (1963)
  • Father Goose (1964)
  • First to Fight (1967)
  • Gunfight in Abilene (1967)
  • How Much Loving Does a Normal Couple Need? (1967)
  • The Lawyer (1970)
  • The Andromeda Strain (1970)
  • Bless the Beasts and Children (1971)
  • Skyjacked (1972)
  • One Little Indian (1973)
  • A Cry for Help (1975, TV Movie)
  • The Black Bird (1975)
  • The Domino Principle (1977)
  • Sultan and the Rock Star (1980, TV Movie)
  • S.O.B. (1981)
  • Annie (1982)
  • Bridge Across Time (1985, TV Movie)
  • Hunter's Blood (1986)
  • The Stepford Children (1987, TV Movie)
  • Black Roses (1988)
  • Thelma & Louise (1991)
  • The Taking of Beverly Hills (1991)
  • Cops n Roberts (1995)
  • Recess: School's Out (2001)
  • Teacher's Pet (2004)

Television Appearances

  • Surfside 6 (1962)
  • The Big Valley (1966)
  • Cimarron Strip (1967)
  • Gunsmoke (1967–1975)
  • I Spy (1968)
  • Daniel Boone (1968)
  • Adam-12 (1968)
  • The Virginian (1968–1969)
  • Here Come the Brides (1969)
  • The F.B.I. (1969)
  • The Odd Couple (1970)
  • The Intruders (1970)
  • Mission: Impossible (1970–1971)
  • The Partridge Family (1970–1974)
  • The Rookies (1972–1973)
  • The Streets of San Francisco (1973)
  • Columbo: Candidate for Crime (1973)
  • The Waltons (1974)
  • Kung Fu (1974)
  • Paper Moon (1974)
  • Police Story (1974–1977)
  • Petrocelli (1975–1976)
  • Ellery Queen (1975–1976)
  • The Rockford Files (1975–1979)
  • The Six Million Dollar Man (1977–1978)
  • The Eddie Capra Mysteries (1978)
  • Battlestar Galactica (1979)
  • How the West Was Won (1979)
  • Walking Tall (1981)
  • The Incredible Hulk (1981)
  • Fantasy Island (1981)
  • Trapper John, M.D. (1982–1983)
  • Dynasty (1982–1988)
  • Simon & Simon (1982–1988)
  • Knots Landing (1983)
  • Fame (1983–1985)
  • Hardcastle and McCormick (1985)
  • The A-Team (1985)
  • Murder, She Wrote (1985–1992)
  • Knight Rider (1986)
  • Remington Steele (1986)
  • Scarecrow and Mrs. King (1986)
  • Falcon Crest (1987)
  • Max Headroom (1987)
  • Ohara (1987)
  • Highway to Heaven (1987)
  • Our House (1988)
  • The Highwayman (1988)
  • Murphy's Law (1988)
  • Mancuso, F.B.I. (1989)
  • The Wonder Years (1988)
  • The New Adam-12 (1991)
  • Matlock (1991)
  • Baywatch (1991–1992)
  • Diagnosis: Murder (1994)
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