Alex Karras, the former American footballer-turned-actor, has died at his home in Los Angeles aged 77.
He remains best known for his role as the illiterate outlaw
Mongo in Mel Brooks' comedy Blazing Saddles, in which he punched a horse unconscious.
He also starred in the 80s sitcom Webster, opposite his wife Susan Clark. He made his screen debut towards the end of his sporting career, in 1968, playing himself in the American football drama Paper Lion, alongside Alan Alda. It spawned a number of television appearances, including a memorable role in The Odd Couple series. Film credits included a sheriff in Porkys and a gay bodyguard in Victor/Victoria.
He had been suffering from kidney failure, dementia, heart disease and cancer in recent years, his family said.