Fred Dryer

Veteran actor Fred Dryer (Sheriff Lock) is best known for his work in the title role of the popular NBC television series Hunter. From 1984 to 1991, Dryer portrayed LAPD Homicide Detective Sergeant Richard Hunter, a mobster's son turned cop, in this program created by Frank Lupo and produced by the late Stephen J. Cannell. Along with starring in the series, Dryer also directed and produced several episodes. The show aired in 88 countries, from Europe to China, and continues to air in some of those markets today.

In 1995 he created and produced a detective series, Land’s End, in which he starred with Geoffrey Lewis, Tim Thomerson and Pamela Bowen. The Disney (Buena Vista Television) show shot on location in Cabo San Lucas for 22 episodes.

That same year he reprised his Hunter role in The Return of Hunter: Everyone Walks in L.A. and did so again in 2002 for Hunter: Return to Justice and Hunter: Back in Force in 2003, the latter of which kicked off a brief run of five new episodes of the series.

Dryer also starred in recurring roles on several series: Agent X, Diagnosis Murder and Cheers, and co-starred in the made-for-television movies The Wrong Woman, Wild Grizzly, The Rousters and The Kid from Nowhere.

In addition, Dryer has appeared in a variety of television programs from newer shows like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Crisis, The Millers and Justice League to such classics as Hart to Hart, CHiPs, Lou Grant and Laverne & Shirley, among others.

His film credits include Snake & Mongoose, Suits on the Loose, Highway 395, The Independent, Stray Bullet, Death Before Dishonor and Cannonball Run II.

Before acting, Dryer played professional football for 14 years. In 1969 he was drafted by the New York Giants in the first round of the NFL Draft as the 13th player selected overall. He ended up leaving New York to play for the Los Angeles Rams from 1972 to 1981. As an L.A. Rams player, Fred made the Pro Bowl in 1970 and 1975, and played in Super Bowl XIV against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1980.

In college, Dryer played for the San Diego State University Aztecs under Coach Don Coryell during his 1967/1968 seasons. As a defensive end, he was named First Team All-American in 1968 and played in the College All-Star Game, East-West Shrine Game and Hula Bowl in 1969. He was considered among the most dominant pass rushers in college football history and in 1988 was inducted into the Aztec Hall of Fame followed by the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997.

Today, Dryer resides in Los Angeles. He continues to produce and act, and currently hosts a digital radio talk show on CRN, The Sports Lounge, with co-host Michael Horn.