Billy Drago

William Eugene "Billy" Burrows (born September 18, 1949), better known by his stage name Billy Drago, is an American actor known for his roles as villains in television and motion pictures. Among his more well known films are Clint Eastwood's western Pale Rider and Brian De Palma's The Untouchables.

Personal life

Born William Eugene Burrows in Hugoton, Kansas to William and Gladys Burrows, Drago took his grandmother's maiden name as his stage name to keep from being confused with another actor. His father was of Chiricahua Apache ancestry and his mother Romany After high school he worked as a stuntman at Boot Hill in Dodge City, Kansas. From there he went on to the University of Kansas. After finishing college he was a radio host for a time before joining an acting company that took him first to Canada then New York City.

Drago is the father of actor Darren E. Burrows. He was married to actress Silvana Gallardo.

Career

Drago began his acting career in 1979. His early films include No Other Love, Windwalker and Jeff Bridges vehicle Cutter's Way. He went on to guest star in numerous television series including: Hill Street Blues, Moonlighting, Walker Texas Ranger and Trapper John, M.D..