- Served as director of John F. Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign in Oklahoma, and also ran, unsuccessfully, for mayor of Oklahoma City in 1965.
- 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.
- Retired from acting after Dick (1999).
- He died of natural causes at his San Luis Obispo ranch in Central California, his grandson Justin Demko told the Los Angeles Times.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Appeared in two films that were nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: The Godfather Part II (1974) and Apocalypse Now (1979), with the former being a winner in the category.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content