Bubba Smith

Bubba Smith was an American actor and former professional football player, best known for his role as Moses Hightower in the “Police Academy” movies. He had a notable career in the NFL before transitioning to acting, making guest appearances on popular television shows.

Personal and Family Life

Bubba Smith was born Charles Aaron Smith on February 28, 1945, in Orange, Texas. He was the son of Willie Ray Smith Sr. and Georgia Oreatha Curl Smith, and he had two siblings, Tody Smith and Willie Ray Smith Jr. His family was close-knit, which contributed to his strong character both on and off the screen.

Career

Smith played in the NFL for the Baltimore Colts, Oakland Raiders, and Houston Oilers from 1967 to 1976. After retiring from football, he pursued an acting career, becoming familiar to audiences through several TV series and films. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Hightower in the “Police Academy” franchise, appearing in nearly every installment, which solidified his legacy in comedy films.

Death and Legacy

Bubba Smith passed away on August 3, 2011, in Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles, California, due to complications from an overdose of phentermine. His contributions to sports and entertainment continue to be celebrated, and he is fondly remembered for his larger-than-life personality both on the football field and in front of the camera.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment 1985-03-28 Moses Hightower
Il silenzio dei prosciutti 1994-03-11 Olaf
Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol 1987-04-02 Hightower
Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach 1988-03-17 Hightower
Police Academy 6: City Under Siege 1989-03-09 Hightower
Police Academy 3: Back in Training 1986-03-20 Sgt. Moses Hightower
Police Academy 1984-03-22 Moses Hightower
Black Moon Rising 1986-01-10 Johnson
Fist of Honor 1993-05-19 Detective Johnson
The Wild Pair 1987-12-11 Benny Avalon
Down ‘n Dirty 2001-10-23 Det. Jerry Cale
Rodney Dangerfield: Exposed! 1985-03-03 Bubba
The Naked Truth 1992-09-29 The Cop
Escape from DS-3 1981-06-12 MacKenzie ‘Mac’ Gynn
Superdome 1978-01-09 Moses Gordine
Drifting School 1995-01-01 Peter Jackson
Full Clip 2004-08-09 Sleepy
Stroker Ace 1983-07-01 Arnold
The Last Ride of the Dalton Gang 1979-11-20 Luther
A Pleasure Doing Business 1979-08-31 Joe Marsh
Gremlins 2: The New Batch 1990-06-15 Bubba Smith
Bubba Until It Hurts 1985-01-01
Stuck with Each Other 1989-10-17 Augie
Fighting Back: The Story of Rocky Bleier 1980-12-07 Jacobs
Joe Dancer: The Big Black Pill 1981-01-29 Big Foot
Family Matters 1989-09-22
Eight Is Enough 1977-03-15
Blue Thunder 1984-01-06 Lyman Kelsey
Open All Night 1981-11-28 Robin
Half Nelson 1985-03-24 Kurt
Good Times 1974-02-08
B. J. and the Bear 1979-02-10
The Odd Couple 1970-09-24 Bubba Smith
MacGyver 1985-09-29 Bailey
Hart to Hart 1979-09-22
Charlie’s Angels 1976-09-22 Toby
Wonder Woman 1975-11-07 Rojak
Vega$ 1978-09-20
Battle of the Network Stars 1976-11-13
Semi-Tough 1980-05-29
Sabrina, the Teenage Witch 1996-09-27