Timmy Brown: Tracing the legacy of the NFL player and Hollywood actor who passed away at 82
Timothy Brown, famous for his portrayal of Corporal Judson in Robert Altman's American war-comedy film 'M*A*S*H', has passed away. He was 82.
Brown had a football career in the NFL spanning 10 years, where he played for the Philadelphia Eagles, the Green Bay Packers and the Baltimore Colts in the 1960s, according to Fox News.
Later he pursued his acting interests and went on to star in many films. The late star's son, Sean Brown, and the Eagles announced on April 11 that he had passed away due to dementia complications in Southern California, where he lived with his son.
"The Eagles are saddened to learn of the passing of former running back Timmy Brown,” the NFL team said. “Timmy Brown’s legendary career was defined by his versatility and work ethic."
"Timmy Brown was an all-time great Eagle and one of the most dynamic multipurpose players of his era. He overcame many obstacles in his life to enjoy success both as an athlete and as an entertainer," said Eagles Chairman and CEO, Jeffrey Lurie in an official statement.
"A three-time pro bowler and member of our 1960 NFL Championship team, Timmy excelled as a running back and return specialist with his incredible athleticism and signature versatility. He was one of the most exciting players to watch during his career. Those who knew him well have said they will remember him for his outgoing, uplifting personality and the connections he built with his teammates and the community. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this time."
He was also the idol of actor Sylvester Stallone, who was seen sporting Brown's No. 22 jersey at the Lincoln Financial Field, when the Eagles moved there in 2003.
Brown is survived by his son Sean, his sister Della Mitchell, and two grandchildren. His funeral services have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the family hopes to hold a memorial service for him on May 24, his 83rd birthday.
Early life NFL career
Brown was born on May 4, 1937. He spent much of his childhood in an orphanage as well as foster care and later came out to attend Indiana's Ball State University, where he played college football. At the time, he went by the shortened version of his first name, Timmy Brown.
He was drafted in the NFL in 1959 as a pro and played a single game for the Green Bay Packer, eight seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, and one season with the Baltimore Colts. He also helped the Eagles defeat the Packers in the 1960 title game.
He went to the Pro Bowl in 1962, 1963 and 1965. In 1962 and 1963, he led the NFL in all-purpose yardage and also became the first player in the history of the League to return two kickoffs or touchdowns in one game, in 1966.
In the 1968 NFL Championship Game, Brown scored his last touchdown and played in the League until his final game, the 1968 Super Bowl II, with the Colts (they lost to the New York Jets). Brown also served as a color analyst for the 1973 CBS NFL telecasts and was inducted into the Eagles' Hall of Fame in 1990.
Singing career
Brown also had a recording contract and a brief music career in the 1960s. He recorded the songs 'I Got Nothin' But Time' and 'Silly Rumours' with Imperial Records in 1962. He also headlined a stage show in 1964 at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City.
Acting career
After establishing himself in the NFL, Brown went on to become a Hollywood actor. Brown first made his on-screen appearance in 1969, on an episode of the 'Wild Wilde West' while he was still in the NFL. Later, he also featured on an episode of 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show', where he played a sportscaster looking for a job.
Most notably, he is known for his role as Corporal Judson in the 1970s movie, 'M*A*S*H', and as Captain Oliver Harmon 'Spearchucker' Jones in about a dozen episodes in Season 1 of the TV series adaption of the same. As an actor, Brown went by his full name, Timothy Brown, to distinguish himself from Jim Brown, who was the running back for Cleveland Browns and a fellow actor.
His other noteworthy film appearances include Grand Ole Opry singer Tommy Brown in 'Nashville' (1975) and in the 1970s “Blaxploitation” films 'Sweet Sugar' (1972), 'Dynamite Brothers' (1974) and 'Black Gunn' (1972), where he starred alongside Jim Brown.
Post-acting and retirement
Brown retired from the film industry in the 2000s and became a parole officer in Los Angeles' Camp Kilpatrick, a juvenile detention facility.