'The Untouchables' actor Billy Drago dies at 73 due to complications from a stroke
Actor Billy Drago, well-known for his role in Brian De Palma’s 'The Untouchables,' died at the age of 73 on Monday, his representative has confirmed. The actor died in Los Angeles due to complications from a stroke. He was also known for his role in Clint Eastwood's 'Pale Rider'. Drago was born as William Eugene Burrows in Hugoton, Kansas and his father William Eugene Burrows Sr. - a Native American - was an actor and director.
Drago happens to be his mother's maiden name and he used it as his stage name. He started out as a stuntman and moved to New York to start his acting career. He began working in the late 1970s and appeared in films such as 'Cutter’s Way', 'No Other Love' and 'Windwalker'.
After working on the television show 'Charmed' in which he played the role of demon Barbas in several episodes over five seasons, he also had guest roles in 'Hill Street Blues', 'Moonlighting', 'Walker Texas Ranger', 'Trapper John, M.D.' and 'The X-Files.'
Later in his career, Drago also worked with popular director Gregg Araki on the film 'Mysterious Skin', followed by, 'The Hills Have Eyes' remake and 'Children of the Corn: Genesis'.
Drago's acting career spanned over a period of four decades during which time he acted in over 100 movies. Before starting off as a stuntman, Drago was a journalist for the Associated Press. Following this he became a fixture on Kansas radio leading to his own highly-rated program.