Despite his awe-inspiring athletic record in track & field, football, and professional wrestling, Strode also had an amazing career in acting, with numerous films being Western. His size, and physique were part of his “tall in the saddle” on-screen personality. Strode starred in some of Hollywood’s best Westerns including: Who Shot Liberty Valance and Once Upon a Time in the West (co-starring Henry Fonda). His last film was The Quick and the Dead with Gene Hackman, Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe. He passed away with Lung Cancer in 1994, and is recognized as one of the most influential black actors of all time.