Which Ex Wrestling Star Starred as Guard Dunham in the Movie the Longest Yard?

If you’re a fan of the classic sports comedy movie “The Longest Yard,” then you’ll surely remember the character Guard Dunham, who was played by a former professional wrestler. But do you know which ex wrestling star it was? Let’s find out!

The Plot of “The Longest Yard”
Before we dive into the details, let’s first talk about the movie itself. “The Longest Yard” is a 1974 American sports comedy film directed by Robert Aldrich and starring Burt Reynolds, Eddie Albert, and Ed Lauter. The story revolves around Paul Crewe (played by Burt Reynolds), a former football quarterback who gets sent to prison and is forced to put together a team of inmates to play against the prison guards in a football game.

Who Played Guard Dunham?
Now back to our question: which ex wrestling star played Guard Dunham in “The Longest Yard?” The answer is none other than former American professional wrestler Tor Johnson.

Tor Johnson’s Professional Wrestling Career

Tor Johnson was born on October 19, 1902, in Sweden. He began his professional wrestling career in the late 1920s and eventually became known for his signature move, the “Swedish Crab.” Johnson’s career spanned three decades and he wrestled all over the world, including in his native Sweden, Germany, Australia, and the United States.

Tor Johnson’s Acting Career

In addition to his wrestling career, Tor Johnson also had a successful acting career. He appeared in several movies throughout the 1950s and ’60s, including horror films such as “Bride of the Monster” (1955) and “Plan 9 from Outer Space” (1959). However, it was his role as Guard Dunham in “The Longest Yard” that brought him mainstream recognition.

The Legacy of “The Longest Yard”

“The Longest Yard” has become a classic sports comedy film and is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports movies of all time. The movie was remade in 2005 with Adam Sandler playing the lead role of Paul Crewe. While the remake was not as critically acclaimed as the original, it still managed to make an impact at the box office.

  • In Conclusion

In conclusion, Tor Johnson, a former professional wrestler, played the character Guard Dunham in the classic sports comedy movie “The Longest Yard.” Johnson had a successful wrestling career before transitioning into acting and appearing in several movies throughout the ’50s and ’60s. “The Longest Yard” continues to be a beloved sports movie and has left an indelible mark on popular culture.