Rafer Johnson was an American athlete and occasional actor who is best known for his achievements in the decathlon, including winning a gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics. He also played a notable role in the aftermath of Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination and contributed to the Special Olympics.
Personal and Family Life
Rafer Johnson was born on August 18, 1934, in Hillsboro, Texas. He was married to Elizabeth Ann Thorsen from December 18, 1971, until his death in 2020, and they had two children together. Johnson had a diverse career, excelling in sports and briefly acting, while also dedicating time to philanthropic efforts.
Career Highlights
Johnson was not only an Olympic champion but also co-founded the California Special Olympics and served as a board member for Special Olympics International. He gained recognition for his heroism in 1968 when he subdued Kennedy’s assassin alongside football player Roosevelt Grier. He became a commentator and sports anchor at KNBC in Los Angeles, furthering his influence in the sports industry.
Death and Legacy
Rafer Johnson passed away on December 2, 2020, in Sherman Oaks, California, at the age of 85. His legacy lives on through his contributions to athletics and charity, inspiring future generations. He was honored posthumously for his achievements and humanitarian efforts, reflecting his impact on sports and society.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Tarzan and the Great River | 1967-09-01 | Barcuma |
| Wild in the Country | 1961-06-15 | Davis |
| Tarzan and the Jungle Boy | 1968-05-01 | Nagambi |
| Pirates of Tortuga | 1961-08-25 | John Gammel |
| The Red, White, and Black | 1970-12-16 | Pvt. Armstrong |
| The Last Grenade | 1970-06-24 | Joe Jackson |
| The Fiercest Heart | 1961-04-30 | Nzobe |
| The Sins of Rachel Cade | 1961-04-02 | Kosongo |
| Licence to Kill | 1989-06-13 | Mullens |
| The Games | 1970-08-07 | Commentator |
| The Loneliest Runner | 1976-12-20 | Himself |
| Fists of Freedom: The Story of the ’68 Summer Games | 1999-08-12 | Self (archive footage) |
| None But the Brave | 1965-02-24 | Pvt. Johnson |
| Free to Be… You and Me | 1974-03-11 | Self (uncredited) |
| Star Spangled Salesman | 1968-02-09 | Telephone Repairman |
| La grande olimpiade | 1961-05-26 | Himself |
| The Kid From Nowhere | 1982-01-04 | Self |
| Think Big | 1989-09-30 | Johnson |
| Sergeant Rutledge | 1960-05-25 | Cpl. Krump (uncredited) |
| Quincy, M.E. | 1976-10-03 | |
| Mission: Impossible | 1966-09-17 | |
| Lassie | 1954-09-12 | |
| Tarzan | 1966-09-08 | |
| Daniel Boone | 1964-09-24 | Rawls |
| The Alfred Hitchcock Hour | 1962-09-20 | Ed Blair |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self – 1958 Athlete of the Year |
| Roots: The Next Generations | 1979-02-18 | Nelson |
| The Six Million Dollar Man | 1974-01-18 | Thaddeus Jones |