'Untouchables' Star Billy Drago Dead At 73
He was 73 years old.
instagram We love Hollywood and movies not just for the talented casts, but because movies make us feel things. They give us a chance to step outside of our normal lives, and for a brief moment in time, become enmeshed in another world.
But just as Hollywood gives us feelings of excitement, sadness, anger, and every emotion under the sun, there are times when we must say goodbye to the actors who changed our lives. And actor Billy Drogo is one of them.
How did Billy Drago die? According to multiple news outlets, the actor passed away due to complications from a stroke. He died on June 24th in Los Angeles at the age of 73.
If his name sounds unfamiliar, you may recognize his face. Drago appeared in numerous television shows and over 100 movies during his four-decade career, but he’s probably most notable for playing Frank Nitti in the 1987 hit, The Untouchables, starring alongside Robert De Niro, Kevin Costner, and Sean Connery.
In addition to this film, Drago also made appearances in The X-Files, Charmed, Walker Texas Ranger, Hill Street Blues, Clint Eastwood’s Pale Rider, and was in Michael Jackson’s music video for “You Rock My World.” He also starred in the horror remake of The Hills Have Eyes.
But before moving to New York City and making his break as an actor, Drago was a stuntman. He was also a journalist and radio personality in Kansas, where he grew up. His family was involved in the business, as his father was an actor and director.
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And it seems the acting gene runs in his family because one of his sons, Darren E. Burrows, has appeared in movies and television, including Northern Exposure, NYPD Blue, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and Love Is Strange.
Drago is also survived by his other son, Derrick Burrows, and several grandchildren. His wife, Silvana Gallardo, died in 2012, after more than 30 years together.
Fans and former co-stars have posted on social media about the loss of their dear friend. Laura Ortiz, who starred alongside Drago in The Hills Have Eyes, posted a touching tribute on Instagram:
“Very saddened to hear the news of Billy Drago passing. He was such an amazing character both on and off the screen. When we were in Morocco filming he’d go off on adventures and no one knew where he was or how to reach him, but he’d always show up on time for work with amazing stories of getting lost in the desert and the locals he met and stayed with. Lucky to have worked with you on my first job,” she wrote.
We send his family healing thoughts.
Samantha Maffucci is an editor for YourTango who focuses on writing trending news and entertainment pieces. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.