Kurtwood Larson Smith - A Look At A Memorable Career

Have you ever found yourself watching a show or a movie and thinking, "Where do I know that face from?" Chances are, if you're a fan of television or films, that face might just belong to Kurtwood Larson Smith. He's one of those performers who, you know, has a way of making a lasting impression, whether he's playing a tough guy or someone who just seems to be having a really bad day. His presence on screen is, in some respects, quite distinctive, and he has certainly become a familiar face to many who enjoy a good story told on film or through a series.

This actor, whose work spans a good number of years, has a knack for bringing characters to life in a way that, well, you just remember them. From roles that make you laugh to those that might make you a bit nervous, he has shown a remarkable ability to take on different kinds of parts. It's almost as if he can slip into various personalities with ease, making each one feel very real and, you know, believable to the person watching.

So, as we spend a little time looking at his professional journey, we'll get to explore some of the moments that have shaped his career. We'll find out a bit about where he started, some of the famous roles he's taken on, and what makes him such a recognized presence in the world of acting. It's a chance to, basically, get a closer look at a performer who has given us so many memorable moments on our screens.

Table of Contents

The Early Life of Kurtwood Larson Smith

Kurtwood Larson Smith, you know, actually came into the world on the third day of July back in 1943. His first home, so it seems, was the town of New Lisbon, which is in Wisconsin, over in the United States. He was given the name Kurtwood Larson Smith right from the start, a name that, in a way, has stuck with him throughout his life and career. This particular day in July, back in 1943, marks the beginning of a life that would eventually lead him to become a well-known face in television and films, a journey that, in some respects, started in this small Wisconsin town.

His family history holds some important details, too. Kurtwood is, basically, the son of Mabel and George Smith. His father, George Smith, held a position as a major in the U.S. Army. Sadly, his father’s life came to an end while he was fighting in World War II in Europe, a very somber event that, you know, surely impacted his family quite deeply. After this, Kurtwood’s mother, Mabel Lund, who was originally Mabel Anette Larson, later married George Smith, who was Kurtwood's biological father, after his biological father died while serving in World War II. It's a detail that, in a way, paints a picture of the circumstances of his early upbringing.

Though he was born in New Lisbon, Wisconsin, his family, you know, made a move to California sometime around the late 1950s. This change in location meant that a good part of his formative years, his childhood and teenage years, were spent on the West Coast. He attended Canoga Park High School in California, where he was, actually, the senior class president. This role, in a way, suggests he had a certain presence and perhaps leadership qualities even then. After high school, he continued his education, focusing on theater studies. He pursued this interest at the College of San Mateo and then at San Jose State University, really dedicating himself to the craft of performance. He received a Bachelor's degree from San Jose State College in 1966, and then, you know, went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree from Stanford University in 1969. These academic pursuits, it seems, laid a strong foundation for his future professional life.

Here's a quick look at some personal details about Kurtwood Larson Smith:

Full NameKurtwood Larson Smith
Birth DateJuly 3, 1943
Birth PlaceNew Lisbon, Wisconsin, USA
ParentsGeorge Smith (Father), Mabel Anette (Larson) Lund (Mother)
Spouse(s)Joan Pirkle (married since November 5, 1988), Cecilia Souza (previously married to)
EducationBachelor, San Jose State College (1966); Master of Fine Arts, Stanford University (1969)
OccupationActor, Producer

What Roles Made Kurtwood Larson Smith a Household Name?

When you think about the characters Kurtwood Larson Smith has brought to the screen, two roles often come to mind very quickly, you know, as being particularly significant. One of these is Clarence Boddicker from the 1987 film "RoboCop." In this movie, he played the main person causing trouble, the one who was against the main character. His portrayal of Boddicker was, in a way, quite memorable for its intensity and, basically, the sheer force of the character. It was a role that, you know, really put him on the map for many movie watchers, showing his ability to embody a truly unpleasant figure.

Then there's Red Forman, the dad in the very popular sitcom "That '70s Show." This character, so it seems, became a fan favorite, known for his stern way of speaking and, well, his frequent use of certain phrases that became catchphrases for the show. As Red Forman, Kurtwood Larson Smith was known for playing, you know, a very strict father figure, someone who had a particular way of dealing with his son and the neighborhood kids. He reprised this role as Red Forman in "That '90s Show" as well, which is, basically, a continuation of the story. These two parts, one from a serious action film and the other from a funny television series, truly show the breadth of his acting abilities and, in a way, cemented his place as a widely recognized performer.

Beyond the Stares - What Other Kurtwood Larson Smith Characters Are There?

While Clarence Boddicker and Red Forman might be the roles many people instantly connect with Kurtwood Larson Smith, his career is, you know, actually full of many other important supporting parts in both movies and on television. He has, for example, often been cast as a police officer, a type of character he seems to play with a certain authority. In the film "Broken Arrow" from 1996, he was part of the cast, and he also appeared in "Star Trek VI," which is, of course, a well-known science fiction movie. These roles, in a way, added to his growing list of credits and showed his range beyond just one or two specific types of characters.

His filmography also includes "Rambo III" from 1988, where he played Robert Griggs. He has also been a part of television series such as "24," appearing in its seventh season, and he was in "Patriot," as well as "The Ranch." These different projects, you know, allowed him to explore various kinds of stories and characters. On the show "House," for instance, he played a character named Dr. This illustrates how, after having a string of smaller roles, he began to get more significant parts, showcasing his skills across different genres and story types. He is, basically, an actor who has taken on a wide variety of roles, contributing to many different productions over the years.

Did Kurtwood Larson Smith Have a Background in Voice Acting?

It might come as a bit of a surprise to some, but Kurtwood Larson Smith has, you know, also lent his voice to animated projects. He is a voice actor for the show "Regular Show." On this particular program, he provided the voice for a character named Gene. He also, in a way, gave his voice to a park ranger in an episode called "Prankless." This aspect of his work shows that his talents extend beyond just appearing on screen; he can also bring characters to life simply through his voice, which is, basically, a different kind of skill altogether. It's another dimension to his long and varied professional life, showing that he's a performer who can adapt to different forms of storytelling.

Who is Part of Kurtwood Larson Smith's Family Life?

Beyond his professional endeavors, Kurtwood Larson Smith also has a personal life, of course, that includes his family. He has been married to Joan Pirkle since November 5, 1988. This marriage has, you know, been a significant part of his life for a good number of years. Before his marriage to Joan, he was, in fact, married to Cecilia Souza. These details, in a way, offer a glimpse into the personal side of an actor who is primarily known for his on-screen work. It's a reminder that, like many people, he has a family life that exists alongside his public career, which is, basically, a very common thing for individuals in the public eye.

Kurtwood Larson Smith's Academic and Organizational Ties

Kurtwood Larson Smith's journey into acting wasn't just about getting lucky; it was, you know, also built on a solid foundation of formal education and professional connections. As mentioned earlier, he earned a Bachelor's degree from San Jose State College in 1966. Following that, he went on to achieve a Master of Fine Arts degree from Stanford University in 1969. These academic achievements, in a way, highlight his dedication to understanding the craft of performance at a deeper level. It's clear that he, basically, invested time in honing his skills through structured learning environments, which is, of course, a path many serious actors choose to take.

Furthermore, he is a member of the Stanford Alumni Organization, which is, you know, a group for those who have completed their studies at Stanford University. This connection shows his continued association with his alma mater. He is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. This particular membership is, in some respects, a notable one, as it means he is part of the organization that, you know, presents the Academy Awards, often known as the Oscars. Being a member of such a respected body suggests a recognition of his contributions to the film industry, a definite sign of his standing among his peers in the world of movies.

Where Can You Find Kurtwood Larson Smith's Work?

If you're interested in exploring the breadth of Kurtwood Larson Smith's work, finding his movies and television shows is, you know, actually quite straightforward. His career spans several decades, meaning he has a good number of projects to his name. You can, basically, find a full list of his movies and TV shows from his career, which gives you a comprehensive overview of his professional journey. This information is available through various resources that, you know, keep track of actors' filmographies. It's a way to see how his roles have changed over time and how he has grown as a performer.

Whether you're looking for his latest appearances or want to revisit some of his classic roles, there are places where you can, you know, find where to watch Kurtwood Smith's work. Many streaming services and digital platforms, for example, offer access to his films and television series. This means that, pretty much, his performances are available for people to enjoy whenever they want to catch up on his contributions to the screen. It's a testament to the lasting nature of his work that so many of his projects are still, in a way, accessible to viewers today, allowing new audiences to discover his talent.

The Enduring Presence of Kurtwood Larson Smith

Kurtwood Larson Smith has, basically, established himself as a distinguished American actor, known for his versatile performances across both film and television. His ability to portray characters ranging from stern parental figures to intense antagonists has, you know, allowed him to become a household name for many viewers. His career, which has continued for a good number of years, has seen him take on a variety of roles, each one adding to his reputation as a reliable and memorable performer. He is, in some respects, widely known for his important supporting roles, often bringing a particular kind of authority or humor to the parts he plays.

From his early life in Wisconsin and California to his academic pursuits and his long list of acting credits, Kurtwood Larson Smith's story is, in a way, a testament to a sustained career in the entertainment industry. He continues to be a recognizable face, and his work, whether it's a voice role in an animated show or a stern look in a live-action series, tends to stick with you. It's clear that his contributions to film and television have, you know, left a definite mark on the landscape of popular culture, making him a performer whose work continues to be watched and appreciated by many.

This article has explored the life and career of Kurtwood Larson Smith, from his birth in New Lisbon, Wisconsin, and his family background, including his father's military service, to his education at San Jose State College and Stanford University. We looked at his most famous roles like Clarence Boddicker in "RoboCop" and Red Forman in "That '70s Show," as well as his other significant appearances in films such as "Broken Arrow" and "Rambo III," and TV shows like "24" and "Patriot." The piece also touched upon his voice acting work in "Regular Show" and details about his personal life, including his marriages. Finally, it highlighted his academic ties and organizational memberships, underscoring his enduring presence in the entertainment world.

Pictures of Kurtwood Smith, Picture #115281 - Pictures Of Celebrities

Pictures of Kurtwood Smith, Picture #115281 - Pictures Of Celebrities

Pictures of Kurtwood Smith, Picture #115281 - Pictures Of Celebrities

Pictures of Kurtwood Smith, Picture #115281 - Pictures Of Celebrities

Pictures of Kurtwood Smith, Picture #115281 - Pictures Of Celebrities

Pictures of Kurtwood Smith, Picture #115281 - Pictures Of Celebrities

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