Alex Karras

Alex Karras was an American actor and former professional football player who also worked as a wrestler and sportscaster. Born in Gary, Indiana, he played defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions from 1958 to 1970 and earned four Pro Bowl selections. He was voted into the College Football Hall of Fame and later chosen for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in its Centennial class. Karras made his screen debut playing himself in the 1968 film Paper Lion. After leaving the Lions he acted full time, with roles that included the slow-witted thug Mongo in Blazing Saddles (1974), Sheriff Wallace in Porky's (1981), James Garner's bodyguard in Victor/Victoria (1982), and Hank Sully in Against All Odds (1984). On television he starred as George Papadopolis, an adoptive father, in the ABC sitcom Webster from 1983 to 1989, and he served three seasons as a commentator on Monday Night Football.