Fred Dryer is a name that many people may recognize from his days as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) or his role as Sgt. Rick Hunter in the television series Hunter. But what is he doing now and is he still alive? In this article, we will explore the life and career of Fred Dryer, and answer the question: is Fred Dryer still living?
Early Years and Football Career
Fred Dryer was born on July 6, 1946, in Hawthorne, California. He attended Lawndale High School and El Camino Junior College before transferring to San Diego State University, where he played football for the Aztecs under coach Don Coryell. He was a dominant pass rusher and a first-team All-American in 1968. He also played in the College All-Star Game, East-West Shrine Game, and Hula Bowl in 1969. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997.
Dryer was drafted by the New York Giants in the first round of the 1969 NFL Draft. He played for the Giants for three seasons, but he did not like New York very much and wanted to return to California. He was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 1972, where he played for nine more seasons until his retirement in 1981. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and a second-team All-Pro in 1974. He also led the league in sacks in 1974 and set an NFL record by scoring two safeties in one game against the Green Bay Packers in 1973. He played in Super Bowl XIV in 1980, but the Rams lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Acting Career and Current Status
After retiring from football, Dryer pursued a career in acting. He started as a sportscaster on CBS, but he quit after 10 games because he felt he had no freedom in that job. He then appeared in several movies and TV shows, such as The Cannonball Run, Death Before Dishonor, Cheers, and L.A. Law. His most famous role was as Sgt. Rick Hunter, a tough and unconventional cop, in the series Hunter, which ran from 1984 to 1991. He also produced and wrote some episodes of the show. He reprised his role as Hunter in three TV movies in the 2000s.
Dryer has continued to act in various projects, such as the sitcom Just Shoot Me!, the drama series Land’s End, and the action film Snake and Mongoose. He also hosted a radio show called The Fred Dryer Show on CRN Digital Talk Radio from 2008 to 2019. He has been involved in some legal disputes with his former agents and managers over unpaid commissions and royalties. He has also been an advocate for retired NFL players’ rights and benefits.
So, is Fred Dryer still living? The answer is yes. As of 2024, he is 77 years old and resides in Los Angeles. He has been married twice and has one daughter, Caitlin, who is also an actress. He is still active in the entertainment industry and has a loyal fan base. He is a legend in both sports and showbiz, and his legacy lives on.