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Former NFL Great, Known for TV and Film Roles, Reported to Be Near Death

Oct 9, 2012  •  Post A Comment

A former star in the NFL who went on to establish himself as an actor on television and in film is reportedly near death after suffering kidney failure. Fox News reports that Alex Karras, who starred in the 1980s comedy series “Webster,” has been given only a few days to live.

Karras, 77, was a standout defensive lineman for the Detroit Lions in the late 1950s and 1960s, making the Pro Bowl four times and being named to the 1960s All-Decade NFL Team. He went on to a successful acting career, including an iconic role as Mongo in the 1974 movie “Blazing Saddles.”

In the 1980s he starred along with his wife, Susan Clark, in the ABC sitcom “Webster.”

Other film roles have included “Porky’s” and “Victor Victoria.” Karras also spent three seasons in the broadcast booth on “Monday Night Football.”

Karras has been suffering from dementia and is part of a lawsuit by a number of former players who are suing the NFL over the treatment of head injuries.

alex-karras.jpgAlex Karras

3 Comments

  1. I had the pleasure to work with Alex, and got to know and like him.
    It saddens me to know recent years have been horrific for him.
    Peter Bright

  2. I always enjoyed him on Monday Night Football and as long as I draw a breath, I will always get a laugh out of Mongo giving the horse a right roundhouse.
    Life gave him many talents and then as a farewell, life left a candy gram for Mongo.
    He will be missed but the laughs will live on. You really can’t ask for a better legacy than perpetual laughter.

  3. I always enjoyed him on Monday Night Football and as long as I draw a breath, I will always get a laugh out of Mongo giving the horse a right roundhouse.
    Life gave him many talents and then as a farewell, life left a candy gram for Mongo.
    He will be missed but the laughs will live on. You really can’t ask for a better legacy than perpetual laughter.

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