Former NFL star and movie actor Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith has died, the Los Angeles Coroner's Chief of Forensic Examinations said.
Smith spent nine seasons in the NFL as a defensive end in the '60s and '70s. He's perhaps best known for his role as Moses Hightower in the "Police Academy" movies.
Police and fire officials were called to Smith's Baldwin Hils house after "he was found unresponsive," and pronounced him dead, said Ed Winter, assistant chief of operations and investigation for the coroner. The body will be taken to the coroner's office, where an autopsy will be performed to determine cause of death, Winter said.
RIP Spare Tire aka Hightower. Thoughts and prayers with his family
He was one of the great ones and a very funny role actor as well. He will be missed. Police Academy woukd not have been the same without him.
A hulking man of very few words. What a lovable character he played! His character, besides Mahoney, was my favorite! RIP, Mr. Smith...
"Kill Bubba Kill"..."Bubba would grab the whole backfield and start throwing guys out until he found the one with the ball".......RIP to a true legend.
Bubba was a very funny actor great talent, and great football player he will be miss my sympahty 2 his family,RIP BUBBA.
RIP Bubba, from your hometown of Beaumont TX. You will be missed
HIGHTOWER!!!!!!!!!
RIP Mr. Smith, now you can toss the ball with David Graf (Tackleberry).
How old was he? You'd figure it would be mentioned in the article.
And how did he die? Bummer.
I believe he was 66. They found him in his home and it has been ruled he died of natural causes.
As much as I hate finding a silver lining, at least it hopefully means that Hollywood won't try to revive the Police Academy franchise. I kind of doubt that though. RIP Bubba.
R.I.P.
Was way too young to watch him play football, but I do remember him as an actor who was always the straight man to the insanity that was Police Academy. My condolensences to his family for their loss. RIP big man!!
The German Sheppard we had as a kid was named after Smith but wasn't nearly as ferocious. I'll never forget the man, the player or the actor. Rest in peace, Bubba.
He will b missed. I loved him in police academy series. Rip.
RIP Bubba, you were a class act.
One of the best scenes in Police Academy with Hightower was when Mahoney took him to learn how to drive and he was too big for the car. He had to rip the front seat out and drove from the rear.
Rest In Peace.