Frank McRae, who appeared in such films as License to Kill and Last Action Hero, has died. McRae died as a result of a heart attack in Santa Monica, California at the age of 80. The news of his death was confirmed by his daughter-in-law.
McRae's career started out on a pretty interesting path. He was an NFL player-turned actor that, despite his athleticism, went to Tenessee State University as a double major in drama and history. McRae did have a brief career in football as a defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams but it was clear that his talents would be best utilized in front of the camera as an actor.
McRae, who had a 30-plus year career as an actor, appeared in over 40 movies and took advantage of his six-and-half feet tall stature by appearing in tough-guy roles in such films as Hard Times, Big Wednesday, and F.I.S.T. with Sylvester Stallone. The actor would find that Stallone was quite the sparring partner as he appeared in three more films with the actor that included Paradise Alley, Lock Up, and Rocky II.
McRae is probably best known for appearing in the 1989 James Bond film License to Kill as Sharkey, a close friend of Bond, played in that film by Timothy Dalton. Not to be tied down, McRae also embraced funny roles as well. He appeared in comedies like National Lampoon's Vacation, Batteries Not Included, and Used Cars. Having appeared in 48 hours, McRae went on to parody that role in 1993's Last Action Hero with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
McRae is survived by his son Marcellus and his grandchildren Camden, Jensen, and Holden. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time and, if you choose to do so, donations in his memory can be made to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an orphan elephant rescue and wildlife rehabilitation program in Kenya.