Reb Brown

Despite earning some acclaim in dramatic roles, actor Reb Brown has the dubious distinction of being best remembered for a couple of critically bashed science fiction fantasy films that have developed modest cult status. After being spotted by a talent scout, Brown played a supporting role in his first feature, "Sssssss," the 1972 low-budget serpentine horror film featuring Strother Martin and Dirk Benedict. Guest spots on TV series followed, including a recurring run on the police drama "CHiPs," leading to a more visible part playing the famous patriotic Marvel superhero "Captain America" in two 1979 TV movies. In 1983, Brown landed his first big screen lead as the title character in the fantasy "Yor, the Hunter from the Future," which earned him a Razzie Award nomination for Worst New Star, though the film would go on to be a cult favorite. Brown worked next on more reputable films, first as a demolitions expert on a POW rescue mission led by Gene Hackman in "Uncommon Valor," and then as a serial killer defended in court by James Coburn in "Death of a Soldier." The critical acclaim he received for the latter role wouldn't come again for his subsequent action films, though the galactic adventure "Space Mutiny" would win a broader audience when subjected to jeers on an episode of "Mystery Science Theater 3000."