G.D. Spradlin started his career as a lawyer, then became an Independent Oil producer. He was active in local politics before turning to acting. He joined the Oklahoma Repertory Theatre in 1964.
July 24, 2011, San Luis Obispo, California, United States
Place Of Birth
Paul's Valley, Oklahoma, USA
Height
6' 2" (1.88 m)
Profession
Actor, Director, Producer
Education
University of Oklahoma
Nationality
American
Spouse
Frances Hendrickson Spradlin, Nell Spradlin
Children
Wendy Spradlin
Movies
The Godfather Part II, Apocalypse Now, The War of the Roses, Ed Wood, Zabriskie Point, North Dallas Forty, The Lords of Discipline, One on One, Apocalypse Now Redux, Nick of Time, Canadian Bacon, The Long Kiss Goodnight, Will Penny, Monte Walsh, Wrong Is Right, The Hunting Party, Tank, Hell's Angels...
TV Shows
Robert Kennedy and His Times, Telling Secrets
Star Sign
Virgo
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Trademark
1
His rich Southern accent
2
Often played wealthy or successful men who are slightly sleazy or untrustworthy
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Quote
1
Being rich changes surprisingly little. You'll still have to have an absorbing interest in life, something to do to make you feel alive.
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Fact
1
He died of natural causes at his San Luis Obispo ranch in Central California, his grandson Justin Demko told the Los Angeles Times.
2
Started acting after taking his daughter Wendy to audition for a production of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". He ended up taking a role in the play himself.
3
Served as director of John F. Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign in Oklahoma, and also ran, unsuccessfully, for mayor of Oklahoma City in 1965.
4
Didn't begin acting until his 40s, after serving in World War II in China with the Army Air Force. He worked as an attorney for Phillips Petroleum, then made his fortune as an independent oil producer.
5
One of Hollywood's most prolific character actors, Spradlin has portrayed presidents (Andrew Jackson and Lyndon Johnson) and senators, as well as preachers, doctors, major generals, naval commanders, colonels, an admiral, a sheriff, a police chief, a CEO, and Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee.
$20 Million
