When Billy Drago died in 2019, the American actor and producer was worth roughly $1.5 million. While Drago was a well-known actor in Hollywood with a prolific and successful assimilated career in various menacing villain roles, he primarily became well-known for his parts in popular films, such as The Untouchables (1987) and Pale Rider (1985), as well as multiple seasons of Charmed and additional guest-starring parts on The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.
Having worked for over three decades with more than 110 acting credits, there is a good possibility he has made his mark on cult films and television, primarily within the horror and thriller genres.
Early Life
Drago (given name William Eugene Burrows) was born in Hugoton, Kansas, on November 30th, 1945. Drago had a mixed ancestry of Romani and Native American. Ultimately, for his acting career, he took his grandmother’s maiden name to not be confused with others with the same name in the acting industry.
Prior to acting, Drago had diverse beginnings, such as
Reporting for the Associated Press
Hosting (successfully) a radio talk show in which he traveled (for work) to Canada and New York City
He also worked as a stuntman in Dodge City, Kansas.
Ultimately, he did take acting courses at the University of Kansas and began an acting career with an acting troupe. Billy Drago’s Hollywood Career
Billy Drago’s career as an actor began in 1979 with the film No Other Love (TV movie). He was later cast and typecast as a villain, which he would go on to be remembered for.
Significant Roles:
As Deputy Mather in Pale Rider (1985),
As Frank Nitti (Al Capone’s right-hand man) in The Untouchables (1987) by Brian De Palma.
Today, The Untouchables is universally recognized as the most memorable role of his acting career; he starred opposite Kevin Costner, Robert De Niro and Sean Connery.
In addition, Billy Drago had roles in other significant films, such as
Delta Force 2 (1990),
Mad Dog Time (1996),
Tremors 4: The Legend Begins (2004) ,
The Hills Have Eyes (2006 remake),
Mysterious Skin (2004) ,
The Dance (2014), where, as billed, he was top cast in a featured role and it was his last film.
Television Success/Noteworthy Role:
Billy Drago had success in television in addition to his film work, having acted in:
Moonlighting (1985),
Hill Street Blues (1986),
Walker, Texas Ranger (1995),
The X-Files (2000),
Supernatural (2008).
Billy Drago arguably found his greatest significance in his television role on Charmed (1999-2004) as the main villain, Barbas the Demon. Initially cast in one episode, fan reaction led, quite unpredictably, to a multi-episode arc covering five episodes.
Producer credits:
Beyond acting, he also produced earlier films:
Associate producer in Mirror Mirror 3: The Voyeur (1985) and Blood Relic (2005)
Co-producer in Dark Moon Rising (2009)
Personal Life/Death
Billy Drago secured his first marriage to actress Silvana Gallardo in 1985; she passed in 2012. They have one son, Darren E. Burrows, an actor known for his role in Northern Exposure.
Billy Drago died on June 24, 2019 at age 73, dying from complications following a stroke.
Billy Drago’s Net Worth/Legacy
He amassed an estimated 1.5 million dollars net worth from his remaining film and television career; though many will remember him primarily for his villain work, he was not just a villain alone; he had an independent individual approach that was uniquely magnetic and charismatic. His contribution to pop culture, more than an acting legacy, is significantly tied to The Untouchables and Charmed.
FAQs About Billy Drago
What was Billy Drago’s net worth at death?
Billy Drago had an estimated net worth of 1.5 million dollars prior to his death in 2019.
What is Billy Drago known for?
Billy Drago is best known for playing Frank Nitti in the film The Untouchables and for playing Barbas the Demon in Charmed.
Did Billy Drago mostly play villains in film?
Yes, he had such an intense commanding presence on screen; he primarily played the role of the villain and did not even deviate from that at the close of his career.
Did Billy Drago have children?
Yes. Billy Drago had had one child, Darren E. Burrows, who is an actor.
Was Billy Drago married?
Billy Drago was married to the actress Silvana Gallardo from 1985, until her death in 2012.
When did Billy Drago die?
Billy Drago passed away on June 24, 2019 at age 73 from complications following a stroke.
