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Rafer Johnson
★ Acting

Rafer Johnson

1934 – 2020 · Hillsboro, Texas, USA · Active 1948–1999

Rafer Johnson, born in 1934, made a notable transition from being a celebrated decathlete to an actor in the 1970s. In The Red, White, and Black (1970), he brings a unique presence to the film, blending his athletic background with the gritty themes of cult cinema. Johnson's involvement in this film highlights the intersection of sports and film, providing a fascinating lens through which to explore the era's exploitation narratives. His role contributes to the film's exploration of identity and struggle, making it a noteworthy entry in the catalog of cult classics.

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The Red, White, and Black

The Red, White, and Black

1970
as Pvt. Armstrong

Told by a U.S. Army colonel and his wife, this vintage Western set in post-Civil War Texas chronicles the exploits of the all-black 10th cavalry regiment, which was formed in 1871. Cesar Romero plays the unit's commander.

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Career Highlights Top 6 by popularity · TMDB

Filmography

31 credits
1990s 1 credit
1999
Movie ★ 7.8
1980s 4 credits
1989
Think Big as Johnson
Movie ★ 6.1
1989
Movie ★ 6.4
1984
Movie
1982
Movie ★ 5.5
1970s 9 credits
1979
TV ★ 7.4
1976
Movie ★ 7.1
1976
TV ★ 7.5
1974
Free to Be… You and Me as Self (uncredited)
Movie ★ 6.9
1974
TV ★ 7.3
1970
Movie ★ 10.0
1970
The Last Grenade as Joe Jackson
Movie ★ 5.7
1970
The Games as Commentator
Movie ★ 7.4
1960s 15 credits
1968
Movie ★ 5.2
1968
Star Spangled Salesman as Telephone Repairman
Movie ★ 8.0
1967
Movie ★ 4.7
1966
TV ★ 7.6
1966
TV ★ 6.9
1965
None But the Brave as Pvt. Johnson
Movie ★ 6.4
1964
A Global Affair as Nigerian Representative
Movie ★ 5.3
1964
TV ★ 7.0
1962
TV ★ 7.8
1961
Movie ★ 6.2
1961
Movie ★ 6.4
1961
Pirates of Tortuga as John Gammel
Movie ★ 6.4
1961
Movie ★ 5.7
1961
Movie ★ 6.0
1960
Sergeant Rutledge as Cpl. Krump (uncredited)
Movie ★ 7.0
1950s 1 credit
1954
TV ★ 6.2
1940s 1 credit
1948
TV ★ 6.8