John Matuszak
Biography
John Daniel Tooz Matuszak was born on October 25, 1950, in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, and died on June 17, 1989. Before his acting career, he was an American professional football defensive lineman and defensive end in the National Football League. He attended the University of Tampa, played for their football team, and played for the Houston Oilers. He also joined the Houston Texans of the World Football League, though he never played for them. His first major acting role was in the 1979 film North Dallas Forty as a football player. He later appeared in films including Caveman, The Ice Pirates, One Crazy Summer, and is known for his role in The Goonies. He also made guest appearances on television shows such as Perfect Strangers, Mash, and The Dukes of H.
Career overview
John Daniel Tooz Matuszak was born in Oak Creek, Wisconsin on October 25, 1950, and passed away on June 17, 1989. Before his career as an actor, he was an American professional football defensive lineman and defensive end in the National Football League. He attended the University of Tampa and played for their football team, and also played for the Houston Oilers of the National Football League. Additionally, he joined the Houston Texans of the World Football League, though he never played for them.
Transitioning to an acting career, Matuszak secured his first major role in the 1979 movie North Dallas Forty, portraying a football player. Throughout his career in film, he appeared in several other movies, including Caveman, The Ice Pirates, and One Crazy Summer, while becoming particularly known for his role in the movie The Goonies.
In addition to his film work, Matuszak made guest appearances on various popular television shows. His television credits included appearances on Perfect Strangers, MAS*H, The Fall Guy, and The World's Strongest Man.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
31 titles- Down the Drain (1990) as Jed Stewart
- One Man Force (1989) as Jake
- Ghost Writer (1989) as Chuck Aaron
- Superboy (1988)
- Aaron's Way (1988)
- The Dirty Dozen: The Fatal Mission (1988) as Fred Collins
- The Charmings (1987)
- The Joe Piscopo Halloween Party (1987) as Self
- Amen (1986)
- One Crazy Summer (1986) as Stain
- Darlin' Clementine (1986) as Mountain Man
- Charlie Barnett's Terms of Enrollment (1986) as TV Spokesman
- The Goonies (1985) as Sloth
- Tall Tales & Legends (1985) as Mountain Man
- Hollywood Beat (1985) as George Grinsky
- Command 5 (1985) as Kowalski
- Half Nelson (1985)
- Hunter (1984) as Lincoln
- Miami Vice (1984) as Lascoe
- The Ice Pirates (1984) as Killjoy
- The A-Team (1983) as Davey Miller
- Silver Spoons (1982) as Elmer
- Caveman (1981) as Tonda
- Trapper John, M.D. (1979)
- North Dallas Forty (1979) as O. W. Shaddock
- The World's Strongest Man (1977) as Competitor
- M*A*S*H (1972) as Hitalski
- Monday Night Football (1970) as Defensive Tackle
- Monday Night Football (1970) as Defensive end
- Monday Night Football (1970) as Defensive End
- The Mike Douglas Show (1961) as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is John Matuszak best known for?
John Matuszak is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Superboy (1988), Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986), The Dirty Dozen: The Fatal Mission (1988), The Charmings (1987).
When and where was John Matuszak born?
John Matuszak was born on October 25, 1950 in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, USA. They passed away on June 17, 1989.
How many credits does John Matuszak have?
John Matuszak has accumulated over 31 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1961 to 1990.
What is John Matuszak's background in cinema and television?
John Daniel Tooz Matuszak was born on October 25, 1950, in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, and died on June 17, 1989. Before his acting career, he was an American professional football defensive lineman and defensive end in the National Football League. He attended the University of Tampa, played for their football team, and pla...
John Matuszak by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- M*A*S*H (1972) as Hitalski — aged about 21
- The Goonies (1985) as Sloth — aged about 34
- The A-Team (1983) as Davey Miller — aged about 32
- Miami Vice (1984) as Lascoe — aged about 33
- Hunter (1984) as Lincoln — aged about 33
- Caveman (1981) as Tonda — aged about 30
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