Bernie Casey

Bernie Casey, who effortlessly transitioned from a successful career in professional football to become a distinguished actor, painter, and poet, is remembered for his commanding screen presence and for breaking racial barriers in Hollywood. Born Bernard Terry Casey on June 8, 1939, in Wyco, West Virginia, his journey would eventually lead him into the annals of American entertainment history. Casey’s early years in football offered him unexpected pathways. Raised in Columbus, Ohio, he attended Bowling Green State University on an athletic scholarship, where he excelled not only in football but also in track and field. He was a talented wide receiver, and his athleticism on the track saw him help lead his team to a national championship. After college, Casey was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1961 and later played for the Los Angeles Rams, solidifying a notable professional sports career over the span of eight seasons. Yet, it was Hollywood that would capture Casey’s imagination and provide an unusual but fitting stage for his myriad talents. His transition into acting began almost by accident. Encouraged by friends and influential figures in the film industry who recognized the charismatic aura that he projected so naturally, he began taking acting roles while still playing in the NFL. Casey's breakout role came in 1969 with "Guns of the Magnificent Seven," a sequel to the popular Western. This role foreshadowed his potential for portraying deeply resonant characters and brought attention to his capabilities as a dramatic actor. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Casey played a number of groundbreaking roles. He became a familiar face in both action and comedy films, often portraying educated, powerful, and complex African American characters at a time when Hollywood still predominantly relied on stereotypes. In 1972’s "Boxcar Bertha," directed by Martin Scorsese, and 1976’s "The Man Who Fell to Earth," starring David Bowie, Casey’s performances stood out for their depth and nuance, which undeniably contributed to shifting perceptions within the casting of black actors across genres. Casey’s acting prowess was perhaps most profoundly showcased in "The Martian Chronicles," a television miniseries adapted from Ray Bradbury’s classic science fiction opus. His role as Maj. Jeff Spender captured the conflict between progress and preservation, reflecting broader societal tensions of the time. In 1984, his portrayal of U.N. Jefferson in the comedy "Revenge of the Nerds" demonstrated his versatility, proving that his gravitas and charm translated seamlessly into comedic settings, making him a treasured figure across a spectrum of audiences. Much more than his acting credentials, Casey was a Renaissance man at heart. Not content with limiting his creative expression, he was an accomplished painter whose artwork offered insights into his introspective world. He studied art intensively, even as he pursued football and acting, and his visceral, often abstract paintings have been displayed in numerous galleries. This artistic inclination expanded to poetry, where Casey's work reflected a profound engagement with themes of identity, race, and the human spirit. His dual life as a painter and actor was less dichotomous and more a reflection of a seamless pursuit of balance between introspective creativity and public performance. Casey's significance in entertainment wasn't solely based on his personal achievements but also on the path he paved for other athletes who sought to reinvent themselves in Hollywood. His career, intersecting sports and the arts, laid a template that would later be followed by numerous athletes. Despite being an imposing figure, both physically and intellectually, Casey was known for his gentle demeanor and thoughtful nature. Those who worked alongside him often spoke of a man who radiated a quiet dignity and exuded an aura of wisdom, often listening more than he spoke, a trait that afforded him respect and admiration from peers and proteges alike. Bernie Casey's legacy as a consummate artist and pioneer is perhaps best encapsulated by his refusal to be typecast or limited by societal expectations. He walked seamlessly between worlds—be it the gridiron or the stage—rewriting the narrative of what African American performers could achieve in mainstream cinema. Casey remained active until the end of his life, gracing both big and small screens with roles that defied convention. He died on September 19, 2017, in Los Angeles at the age of 78, leaving a profound void in the artistic world he so vividly enriched. His life remains a testament to the power of versatility, integrity and vision—a reminder that the worlds of sports, art, and performance are enriched by those courageous enough to navigate them all with tenacity and grace.