History of Wilford Brimley in Timeline

Anthony Wilford Brimley was a renowned American actor known for his distinctive mustache and gruff demeanor. He rose to fame portraying characters older than his actual age, leaving a lasting mark on Hollywood. His acting career, spanning from the late 1960s through the 1980s, featured notable roles in films like "The China Syndrome," "The Thing," and "Cocoon." Beyond acting, Brimley served in the U.S. Marine Corps and later became a recognizable face as a spokesperson for Quaker Oats and Liberty Medical, advocating for diabetes education.

September 27, 1934: Wilford Brimley's Birth

Wilford Brimley was born on September 27, 1934.

1953: Military Service and Early Career

Wilford Brimley enlisted in the Marines in 1953 and served for three years. Following his service, he held various jobs, including bodyguard for Howard Hughes, ranch hand, and blacksmith.

July 6, 1956: Marriage to Lynne Bagley

Wilford Brimley married Lynne Bagley on July 6, 1956.

1974: Television Debut on "The Waltons"

Wilford Brimley made his first credited television appearance in 1974 on the series "The Waltons," playing the character of Horace Brimley.

1977: Recurring Role on "The Waltons"

Brimley continued to make appearances on "The Waltons" until 1977, portraying the character of Horace Brimley in a recurring role.

1979: Transition to Acting and Financial Status

Brimley transitioned into acting in the 1960s, starting as a riding extra and stuntman. In 1979, he revealed that his highest annual income as an actor had been $20,000.

1979: Breakthrough Role in "The China Syndrome"

In 1979, Wilford Brimley landed a significant role as Ted Spindler in "The China Syndrome," gaining recognition for his acting skills.

1979: Wilford Brimley Diagnosed with Diabetes

In 1979, Wilford Brimley was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This event led him to become an advocate for diabetes awareness.

1981: Impactful Role in "Absence of Malice"

In 1981, Brimley had a brief but significant role as Assistant Attorney General James A. Wells in the film "Absence of Malice."

1982: Memorable Role in "The Thing"

Wilford Brimley appeared in the sci-fi horror film "The Thing" in 1982, portraying the character of Blair the biologist.

1983: Acclaim for "Tender Mercies"

Brimley's performance as Harry in "Tender Mercies" in 1983 earned him critical acclaim and solidified his reputation as a talented character actor.

1984: Iconic Role in "The Natural"

Wilford Brimley took on the role of Pop Fisher, a seasoned baseball manager, in the 1984 film "The Natural."

1985: Lead Role in "Cocoon"

At the age of 49, Brimley landed his first leading role in Ron Howard's "Cocoon" (1985), playing Ben Luckett, a resident of a retirement home.

1987: Quaker Oats Commercials

Starting in 1987, Brimley became the face of Quaker Oats, appearing in a series of commercials known for his delivery of the slogan, "It's the right thing to do."

1988: Reprising His Role in "Cocoon: The Return"

Wilford Brimley reprised his role as Ben Luckett in the sequel "Cocoon: The Return," released in 1988.

1993: Performance with Cal State Northridge Jazz Band

Showcasing his musical talents, Brimley performed with the Cal State Northridge Jazz Band in 1993 for a concert benefiting the college's Jazz Endowment Scholarship Fund.

1997: Memorable Appearance on "Seinfeld"

Wilford Brimley made a guest appearance as the U.S. Postmaster General in a 1997 episode of the popular sitcom "Seinfeld" titled "The Junk Mail."

1998: Wilford Brimley Speaks Out Against Cockfighting Ban

In 1998, Wilford Brimley participated in a rally in Phoenix, Arizona, to oppose a proposition to ban cockfighting. He argued that such a ban could set a precedent for restricting other activities, such as the use of hunting dogs.

June 2000: Passing of Lynne Bagley

Wilford Brimley's wife, Lynne Bagley, passed away in June 2000.

2001: Collaboration with Tom Selleck in "Crossfire Trail"

Brimley starred alongside Tom Selleck in the TNT film "Crossfire Trail" in 2001, marking a return to mainstream productions.

2004: Release of Jazz Album "This Time, The Dream's On Me"

Brimley released his jazz album, "This Time, The Dream's On Me," in 2004, featuring a collection of jazz standards.

October 31, 2007: Marriage to Beverly Berry

Following the passing of his first wife, Brimley married Beverly Berry on October 31, 2007.

December 19, 2008: American Diabetes Association Honors Wilford Brimley

On December 19, 2008, Wilford Brimley was honored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) with a lifetime achievement award for his work raising awareness about diabetes. The ceremony took place at the Liberty Medical headquarters in Port St. Lucie.

2008: Wilford Brimley Supports John McCain's Presidential Campaign

During the 2008 US presidential election, Wilford Brimley publicly supported John McCain. McCain even lightheartedly mentioned Brimley as a potential vice president pick.

2009: Founding of Hands Across the Saddle

In 2009, Brimley and his second wife, Beverly Berry, established Hands Across the Saddle (HATS), a nonprofit organization in the Bighorn Basin.

2009: Supporting Role in "Did You Hear About the Morgans?"

In 2009, Brimley had a supporting role in the romantic comedy "Did You Hear About the Morgans?" sharing the screen with Hugh Grant.

2011: Musical Performance on "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson"

During a 2011 appearance on "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson," Brimley surprised the audience by performing a lively rendition of "Oh! Susanna" on the harmonica.

2013: Collaboration with Riders in the Sky on "Home on the Range"

Brimley teamed up with the Western band Riders in the Sky to release the album "Home on the Range" in 2013, featuring Brimley's vocals on a variety of country and folk songs.