Sunday December 30, 2007

(Boston Sunday Herald)

RALEIGH,NC- Tab Thacker, a little-known actor/wrestler who starred in two Police Academy films and other Hollywood movies, has died after several years of declining health, according to North Carolina State University. He was 45.

The 6-ft-4 Mr. Thacker who once tips the scales at a whopping 450lbs, got his first movie role when Clint Eastwood saw his photograph in Time magazine, and took note of Mr. Thacker's enomous frame.

Mr. Thacker was cast as a bouncer in the '30s-era "City Heat", then starred as an underdog football player who made the climatic ending play in 1986's "Wildcats" which also stars Goldie Hawn.

He also starred in two Police Academy movies. No mention of pending relatives given.