Actor. After dropping out of high school at fourteen, he worked as a cowboy. During the Korean War he served as a Marine and after discharge, he continued to work with horses in film work. He was encouraged to take on roles as a cowboy or a stunt man in western films. His first major casting was as a blacksmith in the 1970's television series, "The Waltons." In 1979, his first featured role was in "The China Syndrome." His career continued, with his most memorable roles in the films "Absence of Malice," "Tender Mercies," "The Natural," "Cocoon" and "The Firm." In 1997, Brimley moved to working in independent productions for Turner Network Television (TNT) and made various television appearances. This included commercial work, most notably for Quaker Oats. Musically, he was considered a fine singer and released one album, and was also an accomplished harmonica player. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he married Beverly Barry in 2007 after the death of his first wife, Lynne. With his second wife, he began the nonprofit organization Hands Across the Saddle (HATS) that provides assistance to those in the Big Horn Basin in Wyoming. He also worked with the American Diabetes Association to raise awareness especially in veteran hospitals. He died after a long illness due to kidney issues.

Actor. After dropping out of high school at fourteen, he worked as a cowboy. During the Korean War he served as a Marine and after discharge, he continued to work with horses in film work. He was encouraged to take on roles as a cowboy or a stunt man in western films. His first major casting was as a blacksmith in the 1970's television series, "The Waltons." In 1979, his first featured role was in "The China Syndrome." His career continued, with his most memorable roles in the films "Absence of Malice," "Tender Mercies," "The Natural," "Cocoon" and "The Firm." In 1997, Brimley moved to working in independent productions for Turner Network Television (TNT) and made various television appearances. This included commercial work, most notably for Quaker Oats. Musically, he was considered a fine singer and released one album, and was also an accomplished harmonica player. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he married Beverly Barry in 2007 after the death of his first wife, Lynne. With his second wife, he began the nonprofit organization Hands Across the Saddle (HATS) that provides assistance to those in the Big Horn Basin in Wyoming. He also worked with the American Diabetes Association to raise awareness especially in veteran hospitals. He died after a long illness due to kidney issues.