One of the biggest names in 1980s television and a former NFL legend was spotted enjoying a rare outing in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The 79-year-old star, best known for his role as Detective Sgt. Rick Hunter in the hit police drama Hunter, looked surprisingly spry and still in impressive athletic shape during a stroll through the upscale Pacific Palisades.
Dressed casually in a sweatshirt and grey joggers, he could have passed for someone headed to a football training session—the kind he dominated during his 13-year NFL career with the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams. Remarkably, he still holds the record as the only NFL player to score two safeties in a single game.
After hanging up his cleats, Cheers producers Glen and Charles Les considered him for the show's lead role of Sam Malone, before the part famously went to Ted Danson. Standing a towering 6ft 6in, this hulking TV icon might seem impossible to miss, but can you guess who he is? If you shouted 'Fred Dryer,' congratulations—you just scored a touchdown.
After leaving the NFL behind, Dryer quickly proved he was just as comfortable in front of the camera as he had been on the field. While many athletes struggle to make the leap to acting, Dryer carved a niche for himself in television and film. His breakout role came in the 1980s crime drama Hunter, starring alongside Stepfanie Kramer, but that was just the beginning.
Though he didn't land the starring Cheers role, he later appeared on the beloved sitcom as a sportscaster and as Sam Malone's former Red Sox teammate, Dave Richards. It was a clever nod to what might have been, and fans loved spotting him in these cameo appearances. Over the years, Dryer's acting resume expanded impressively. He guest-starred on CHiPs as Lt. John LeGarre, played Mike Land in the TV series Land's End, and appeared as Police Chief Masters on Diagnosis: Murder. He even ventured into the Marvel universe, portraying the villainous Octavian Bloom on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
On the big screen, Dryer starred in action-thrillers like Death Before Dishonor and brought motorsport history to life in the drag racing drama Snake & Mongoose, playing Ed Donovan. Away from the cameras, Dryer has led a life just as fascinating. In 1983, he married actress and Playboy centerfold Tracy Vaccaro, and the couple had a daughter before divorcing five years later. In 2003, the NFL Alumni handed Dryer its Career Achievement Award, acknowledging his remarkable achievements and status as one of football's elite.
Even decades after leaving football, Dryer has stayed connected to Hollywood. He runs his own production company, occasionally appears in commercials, and continues to take on guest roles.
