Fred Dryer has spent the bulk of his acting career on television, but he has also appeared in a few feature films, beginning with The Starmaker (1981). Prior to becoming a performer, Dryer had been a professional football player. On television, he is best remembered for two roles, that of Sam Malone's irritating buddy, Dave Richards, in three episodes of the NBC sitcom Cheers and as fearless Detective Sergeant Rick Hunter in the series Hunter (1984). Other film appearances include Cannonball Run II (1984) and Day of Reckoning (1994).
Fred Dryer
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- Was college football teammates at San Diego State with fellow actor Carl Weathers.
- Played for the New York Giants from 1969 to 1971 and for the Los Angeles Rams from 1972 to 1981.
- Lived out of his Volkswagen bus for a few years early in his professional football career despite having more than enough money for an apartment.
- Was the star of the popular 1984-1991 detective TV series Hunter, its three made-for-TV films and its brief revival attempt in 2003.
- Was inducted into the El Camino C.C. Athletic Hall Of Fame in 1988, and was the Athlete of the Year in 1967.