He's the son of Vaudeville great, Clarence Stroud, of the Stroud Twins and singer Ann McCormack, who toured the world with Frank Sinatra.

Don grew up on the beach in Honolulu, Hawaii, where his stepfather, Paul Livermore, and his mother, Ann, owned and operated the popular "Embers Steak House" and nightclub where Ann performed nightly. Don thrived on the beach in Waikiki under the watchful eyes of such mentors as Blackout, Mud, Buckshot, Rabbit and Steamboat. He learned much from these famous beach boys and in 1960, at the age of 17, he placed fourth in the "Duke Kahanamoku World Surfing Championship" at Makaha, Hawaii. Don was surfing at Waikiki when he was discovered. Actor Troy Donahue was filming Hawaiian Eye and needed a stunt double for his surfing scenes. Don, at 18, 6' 2" and 175 pounds, stepped up and was hired on the spot. He loved the gig so much, he decided to go to Hollywood to give it a try. Upon arriving in L.A., he landed a variety of jobs, including parking cars, bouncer and then manager of the world famous "Whiskey A Go-Go" nightclub on the Sunset Strip, where such greats as Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison of the "Doors" appeared. It was at the "Whiskey" that actor Sidney Poitier turned Don on to his acting career. Don went on to become one of Hollywood's great heavies and character actors. He has starred in over 100 movies and 175 television shows to date. He has also starred in four television series, notably Mickey Spillane's The New Mike Hammer with Stacy Keach and The New Gidget where he was a natural to play the "Kahuna".
Was once the 4th ranked surfer in the world. Paid $10,000 to appear nude as a centerfold in Playgirl Magazine in 1973. Played his own drums and recorded music live for The Buddy Holly Story. Black Belt in Karate Stunt double for Troy Donahue on TV's Hawaiian Eye. Bouncer and later manager for the infamous Sunset Stip venue "Whisky-A-Go-Go". Survived a plane crash during the making of The Red Baron and saved the pilot's life by treading water for 45 minutes. Graduate of Kaimuki High School.