Introduction
William Eugene Burrows Jr. (November 30, 1945 – June 24, 2019), known professionally by his stage name Billy Drago, was an American television and film actor. Frequently cast in the role of villain, Drago's films included Clint Eastwood's western Pale Rider and Brian De Palma's The Untouchables. He also had recurring roles in the television series The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. and Charmed.
Early life
Burrows was born in Hugoton, Kansas, the son of William Franklin Burrows Jr, and Gladys Marie Wilcox (1917–1993) on November 30, 1945. He took his grandmother's maiden name as his stage name to keep from being confused with another actor. Growing up, his parents would drop him off at the movie theater often in their rural town.
After leaving high school he started out as a journalist for the Associated Press, and later became a popular voice on radio that took him first to Canada then to New York City. After a brief stint with a touring theater group, 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 joined an acting company.
Career
Drago began his acting career in 1979. His early films included No Other Love, Windwalker and the 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..
The role that brought his career international prominence was as the gangster assassin Frank Nitti in Brian De Palma's 1987 blockbuster cinema film The Untouchables. Subsequently, Drago appeared in numerous films and television roles; the latter list included The X-Files and a recurring role in The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.
In 1999 he played the demon Barbas in the WB series Charmed. His character was supposed to appear in only one episode, but due to popularity with fans he was brought back for six additional episodes, appearing in five of the show's eight seasons.
His film resume includes Delta Force 2, Tremors 4: The Legend Begins, and Pale Rider. He also was featured in Michael Jackson's 2001 music video "You Rock My World". Drago also played a mysterious stranger who gave a boy a special key in the Mike + The Mechanics music video for "Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)" in 1985.
Other film roles include Gregg Araki's 2004 film Mysterious Skin, the remake of horror film The Hills Have Eyes, Children of the Corn: Genesis, and Takashi Miike's Masters of Horror episode "Imprint", which Showtime pulled from the air due to "disturbing content."
Death
Drago died in Los Angeles on June 24, 2019 at the age of 73 from complications of a stroke.
Personal life
Drago was married to actress Silvana Gallardo from 1980 until her death in 2012. He had two sons, including actor Darren E. Burrows.