'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. harbharb

    He made me laugh. Thanks for that.

    August 3, 2011 at 8:27 pm | Report abuse |
  2. Jeff Frank ( R - Ohio )

    Rest In Peace Bubba Smith. May Go_ be with you always. We will certainly miss you.

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

    Sad day. Time for a Police Academy marathon.

    RIP

    😦

    August 3, 2011 at 8:28 pm | Report abuse |
  4. Ron

    RIP Bubba

    August 3, 2011 at 8:28 pm | Report abuse |
  5. scott

    a good guy gone to soon

    August 3, 2011 at 8:29 pm | Report abuse |
  6. Go Green

    A true MSU Spartan! RIP!

    August 3, 2011 at 8:30 pm | Report abuse |
  7. Jake Sanders

    Bubba was a nice guy. I ran into him at the airport and enjoyed talking to him about his movie career. He gave an autograph and $80 tip back in '92 at lax

    August 3, 2011 at 8:31 pm | Report abuse |
    • Gumby

      That musta been one helluva BJ!

      August 3, 2011 at 8:47 pm | Report abuse |
  8. Donald in CA

    Will miss you Bubba, rest in peace.

    August 3, 2011 at 8:32 pm | Report abuse |
  9. Ken

    RIP Bubba Hightower.

    August 3, 2011 at 8:35 pm | Report abuse |
  10. rustypop58

    Less Filling, Tastes Great! – Says here the winner is Bubba Smith! Then he crushes the beer can. Hilarious. The good ones die young. RIP Bubba.

    August 3, 2011 at 8:37 pm | Report abuse |
  11. gyntanfitman

    First Amy Whinehouse, now him? I can't believe this. What is going on with the world? These were 2 very amazing people that passed away just over a week from each other. truly a dark moment....

    August 3, 2011 at 8:39 pm | Report abuse |
  12. jeeva

    Bubba is a good actor ...missed now .rest in peace

    August 3, 2011 at 8:40 pm | Report abuse |
  13. Mike K

    goodbye bubba. best character from police academy.

    August 3, 2011 at 8:42 pm | Report abuse |
  14. WhackyWaco

    A very good football player and a humorous actor. RIP and may GOD be with you.

    August 3, 2011 at 8:42 pm | Report abuse |
  15. bill sease

    bigger than life player; gone to soon

    August 3, 2011 at 8:43 pm | Report abuse |
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