Fred Ward was an an American actor and producer.
Starting with a role in an Italian television film in 1973, Ward had a long and diverse career, and starred in films such as;
- Escape from Alcatraz,
- Southern Comfort,
- The Right Stuff,
- Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins, Tremors and Tremors 2: Aftershocks, Henry & June,
- The Player,
- Swing Shift and
- Short Cuts.
Ward studied acting at New York’s Herbert Berghof Studio after serving in the U.S. Air Force.
While in Italy, Ward dubbed Italian movies and worked as a mime until he made his debut in two Roberto Rossellini films.
Upon returning stateside in the early 1970s, Ward spent time working in experimental theatre and doing some television work.
Ward made his first American film appearance playing a cowboy in Hearts of the West (1975).
Ward’s first major role came in the Clint Eastwood vehicle Escape from Alcatraz (1979) as fellow escapee John Anglin.
Ward was born in San Diego on December 30, 1942 and died on May 8, 2022 at the age of 79.
Before acting, Ward spent three years in the United States Air Force.
Unknown to many, Ward was also a boxer (breaking his nose three times) and worked as a lumberjack in Alaska, janitor, and short-order cook.