Dick Butkus starred on TV, in movies after Bears career

In the early 1990s, Dick Butkus guest-starred in three episodes of the hit TV show “MacGyver” as Earl Dent, an ex-convict trying to turn his life around and provide for his daughter through boxing, opposite series star Richard Dean Anderson. (Gayle Adler/ABC, File)

Chicago Bears legend Dick Butkus is known on his Pro Football Hall of Fame resume as a linebacker, but his numerous acting credits are also worthy of a standing ovation.

Butkus, who died “peacefully in his sleep overnight” on Oct. 5 at the age of 80, appeared in dozens of movies, television shows and commercials following his nine-year playing career with the Chicago Bears from 1965-1973.