Fred Dryer

Fred Dryer is an actor and former professional football player. He played as a defensive end at San Diego State University, earning induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. Drafted in the first round (13th overall) by the New York Giants in 1969, he played three seasons there before joining the Los Angeles Rams from 1972 to 1981. Over his 13-year NFL career, Dryer appeared in 176 games, recorded over 100 sacks (unofficial stat then), made two Pro Bowls (1975 notably), and achieved a unique feat as the only player to score two safeties in one game. He also competed in Super Bowl XIV with the Rams.

After retiring in 1981, Dryer briefly served as a CBS NFL commentator before pursuing acting full-time in 1982. He gained early roles in films like Gus and Prime Time, appeared as Dave Richards in multiple Cheers episodes, and had a notable part in The Starmaker.

His acting breakthrough came with his role as the tough, rule-bending LAPD Detective Sergeant Rick Hunter in the hit NBC series Hunter (1984–1991), which ran for seven seasons and spawned TV movies like Hunter: Back in Force (2003), where he reprised the role and also produced.

Dryer's other credits include Death Before Dishonor (1987), Snake & Mongoose (2013), Fire Over Afghanistan (2001), and Warm Texas Rain (2000).