He was a farmer and rodeo rider who, after gaining weight, became a blacksmith and then a film actor.
Was a bodyguard to Howard Hughes.
Has diabetes and has served as a spokesperson for the diabetes testing-supplies company Liberty Medical.
Enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict and spent three years in the Aleutian Islands.
Has four sons with his wife, Lynne Brimley : Jim Brimley, John Brimley , Bill Brimley, and Lawrence Brimley (deseased).
Known to loosen up cast mates, with small practical jokes, between takes. For example, while filming Cocoon: The Return , Courteney Cox was caught off guard by whoopee cushion pranks.
Known for his Quaker Oats commercials.
Had a recurring role on "The Waltons" . At the prodding of series star Ralph Waite , Brimley became a charter member of Waites Los Angeles Actors Theater.
A controversial activist, he paid from his own funds for ads to have Utah allow horse-race gambling, and he was actively opposed to the banning of cockfighting. He has campaigned in Arizona and New Mexico against laws banning cockfighting.
His first acting roles were in the 60s as a riding extra/stuntman in westerns. At that time he used the name Anthony (Tony) Brimley.
Father was a real estate broker.
Was often mistaken for the trolley conductor in the 1991 Hardees (now Carls Junior) TV commercials for the Frisco Burger.
Wilfords paternal grandfather was an English immigrant, born in Blackrod, Lancashire, while Wilfords paternal grandmothers parents were Scottish, from Glasgow. Wilfords mother was of half Danish descent, with her other roots being Welsh, English, German, and Swiss-German.
Is a talented jazz singer who has recorded several albums and played successful club engagements.
[on Did You Hear About the Morgans? (2009) ]: It was somewhat of a,substandard movie. .
