Lean, sharp-featured character player of film and TV usually in Westerns, crime dramas, and action flicks. Drago's pointy chin and thin lips served to enhance the cruel smile of his sadistic villains. He may be best known for his performance as Al Capone's coolly vicious enforcer, Frank Nitti, in Brian De Palma's "The Untouchables" (1987). Drago was also the arch-villain in the light-hearted Western adventure series "The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr." (Fox, 1993-94). A Texas native of American Indian heritage, Drago was cast in Native American roles in his first TV and feature assignments. He had previously worked as a stuntman in a Western theme park in Dodge City, KS. Drago appeared in some plays in college before starting his entertainment career as a disc jockey at small stations in Kansas and Texas. Drago next turned decisively to acting, joining a small ensemble group touring Canada. He eventually landed in NYC where he began amassing credits on stage and TV. His TV credits include guest shots on "Hill Street Blues", "Moonlighting", and "Hunter". In features, Drago can be found in Clint Eastwood's "Pale Rider" and "Invasion U.S.A." (both 1985), and many direct-to-video actioners. He is the father of actor Darren E. Burrows.
Profession(s):
Actor, acting instructor, disc jockey, stuntman
Sometimes Credited As:
Billy Drago
Billy Eugene Burrows
Family
son:Darren E Burrows (born on September 12, 1966; portrayed Ed Chigliak on the popular comedy-drama "Northern Exposure")
Companion(s)
Silvano Gallardo
, Companion
2006 Co-starred in a remake of the Wes Craven thriller, "The Hills Have Eyes"
1999 - 2004 Had a recurring role on the WB's "Charmed," as Demon of Fear/Barbas
1996 Co-starred with Ellen Barkin, Gabriel Byrne and Richard Dreyfuss in Larry Bishop's "Mad Dog Time"
1993 - 1994 Debut as a recurring character on a TV series, "The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr."
1980 Feature acting debut, "Windwalker"
1979 TV miniseries debut, "The Chisholms"
1979 TV-movie debut, "No Other Love"
Born in Hugoton, Texas
Raised on an Indian reservation in Kansas and Oklahoma
Worked as a stuntman at a western theme park in Dodge City, KS
Performed numerous plays at the University of Kansas
Worked as a disc jockey at radio stations in Winfield, Kansas and Falfurias, Texas
Hosted a syndicated country and blues radio show over the Mutual Network's Kansas City-based station
Joined a small ensemble company touring Canada