He was a farmer and rodeo rider who, after gaining weight, became a blacksmith and then a film actor.


Was a bodyguard to Howard Hughes. Enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict and spent three years in the Aleutian Islands. Known to loosen up cast mates, with small practical jokes, between takes. For example, while filming Cocoon: The Return (1988), Courteney Cox was caught off guard by whoopee cushion pranks. Had a recurring role on "The Waltons" (1972). At the prodding of series star Ralph Waite, Brimley became a charter member of Waite's Los Angeles Actors Theater. Has diabetes and has served as a spokesperson for the diabetes testing-supplies company Liberty Medical. Father was a real estate broker.