'Police Academy' actor and NFL star Charles 'Bubba' Smith dies
August 3rd, 2011
06:41 PM ET

'Police Academy' actor and NFL star Charles 'Bubba' Smith dies

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.

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soundoff (153 Responses)
  1. b. Slider

    rip bubba

    August 3, 2011 at 8:09 pm | Report abuse |
  2. Smurfeater

    No!!! RIP 😦

    August 3, 2011 at 8:09 pm | Report abuse |
  3. ken

    I 1st remember bubba smith from the old powerhouse candy bar commercials then as a football player then actor. He even played in a superbowl with the colts!RIP!!

    August 3, 2011 at 8:10 pm | Report abuse |
  4. fidgetwidget

    Good night, Bubba. You will be sorely missed.

    August 3, 2011 at 8:11 pm | Report abuse |
  5. Bruce

    USA Today actually tells us how old he was, what they know about the situation so far, and gives a good survey of his career with a few good videos thrown in, for those of you who would like more than the pittance we got here.

    August 3, 2011 at 8:13 pm | Report abuse |
    • sammy zoso

      thanks buddy.

      August 3, 2011 at 8:28 pm | Report abuse |
  6. Dizzyd

    Reading is for EVERYBODY, no matter your race. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise – this from a 'white person'. BTW, Confucius, words to live by.

    August 3, 2011 at 8:13 pm | Report abuse |
  7. banasy

    Ah, this is sad!
    My condolences to his family.
    He *was* a class act, and I will always have fond memories of him.

    August 3, 2011 at 8:14 pm | Report abuse |
  8. derekur

    farewell and good journey to u..

    August 3, 2011 at 8:18 pm | Report abuse |
  9. banasy

    Ummmmm, not sure what black *or* white fictional superheros have to do with Mr. Smith's passing.....

    August 3, 2011 at 8:18 pm | Report abuse |
  10. Tracy

    My deepest sympathy to the Smith family. Both on and off the field "Bubba" was a true professional.

    RIP Big Guy!

    August 3, 2011 at 8:19 pm | Report abuse |
  11. Stephen

    Thank you, Bubba, for making me smile. Rest in peace.

    August 3, 2011 at 8:19 pm | Report abuse |
  12. Name*david kitchen

    Very sad day

    August 3, 2011 at 8:19 pm | Report abuse |
  13. George R. Thrower

    The passing of Bubba Smith profoundly sadden me, because I grew up with him through his professional days,.But, I must beg to differ that he will be most remembered for his role on Police Academy. That comment dimish his purpose in life on this planet, and his contribution to professional sports. I will remember him for what he contributed on this earth, andthe time that was allotted him.

    August 3, 2011 at 8:24 pm | Report abuse |
  14. Corrinna

    Rest in peace, Bubba...will miss you

    August 3, 2011 at 8:25 pm | Report abuse |
  15. Denvergirl

    Bummer....

    August 3, 2011 at 8:25 pm | Report abuse |
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