'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. drS5

    “This Just In” is CNN's news blog. This is where you will find the latest news and information from CNN’s correspondents..."

    L O L
    His age?
    Teams he played for?
    etc
    etc???

    August 3, 2011 at 9:04 pm | Report abuse |
  2. BB

    I have fond memories of hearing 75,000 in Spartan Stadium chanting "kill, Bubba, kill!"

    August 3, 2011 at 9:08 pm | Report abuse |
  3. Phoenix Starr

    Why, CNN, are you not posting any meatier blogs? I like talking about the skinny socialist in the White House, come on now, CNN! RIP Bubba

    August 3, 2011 at 9:10 pm | Report abuse |
    • Phoenix Starr is Dull

      Only a feral minded moron would politicize a death...You are an absolute idiot...But then again, you're from Arizona so that actually explains a lot.

      August 3, 2011 at 9:52 pm | Report abuse |
  4. jimmyd

    Bubba. You are missed. Great guy, great football player, great human being.

    August 3, 2011 at 9:11 pm | Report abuse |
  5. Mikus1975

    it is well known that tall people tend to have shorter live spans.

    August 3, 2011 at 9:11 pm | Report abuse |
    • Max Neptune

      It is well known that uneducated people don't know the difference between live and life (i.e. life spans).

      August 3, 2011 at 9:41 pm | Report abuse |
    • Cesar The Chorizo Champ Of Chihuahua*

      Even more educated people realize this is just an internet blog and it doesn't really matter. Accidents do happpen.

      August 4, 2011 at 12:30 am | Report abuse |
  6. Stephen from Lachine

    How old was he? When was he last heard from? Why did CNN treat this story differently than any other actor's death?

    August 3, 2011 at 9:20 pm | Report abuse |
    • BubbaTheGreat

      Yeah, seriously. Recap this wonderful man's life CNN, you d0uchebags.

      August 3, 2011 at 9:35 pm | Report abuse |
  7. eric

    Peace be with all affected by his passing. Thanks for some great memories!!

    August 3, 2011 at 9:24 pm | Report abuse |
  8. J2J

    RIP Bubba....Will never forget Mahoney teaching you to drive and you ripping out the back seat just to fit in the car!!! CLASSIC!!

    August 3, 2011 at 9:33 pm | Report abuse |
  9. BubbaTheGreat

    A soft-spoken icon from my childhood. Bubba will be sorely missed by me as you are an indelible part of my memories. My sincere condolences to his family, who I am sure are heartbroken, yet beautiful people. Rest In peace Big Guy. :'(

    August 3, 2011 at 9:34 pm | Report abuse |
  10. Ol' Dad

    My favorite Bubba line (from some lame sitcom starring he and Dick Butkus – last maybe 5-6 episodes)
    "Hey ... people CAN change! I used to be a skinny little white guy from Switzerland."

    August 3, 2011 at 9:44 pm | Report abuse |
  11. Stormtrooper1070

    No bio, no nothing! good reporting CNN! This sucks!

    August 3, 2011 at 11:16 pm | Report abuse |
  12. Debbie

    Being child of the 60's & 70's I remember Bubba Smith best from his time playing for the Baltimore Colts. I'm very sorry for his loss & hope his family will be able to gain solace from fond memories of good times together. Rest in peace, Bubba.

    August 3, 2011 at 11:18 pm | Report abuse |
  13. Jake Sanders

    The man period. Look gut

    August 4, 2011 at 12:33 am | Report abuse |
  14. Akinola Peters (Nigeria)

    What a great lost to all. RIP Bubba

    August 4, 2011 at 5:05 am | Report abuse |
  15. s kel

    lol , well we do have a few ass wipes on here, like,oh please, who wrote at 810pm aug 3rd. Oh well, again, Bubba , you giant of a teddy bear , you are loved and will be missed, God has you now.

    August 4, 2011 at 7:19 am | Report abuse |
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