Acting
Michael Ballew
Michael Ballew was a versatile American actor, stuntman, and transportation coordinator, known for his diverse contributions to the entertainment and sports worlds. Born and raised in Leavenworth, Washington, he began his athletic journey by playing football in high school. His talent earned him a partial scholarship to Shoreline Community College in Seattle, where he continued to hone his skills. Following his time in junior college, Ballew transferred to the University of Washington to pursue a degree in sociology.
After college, he played as a defensive end for the Hagerstown Bears, a minor league football team in Maryland, for two seasons. His professional career took a significant turn in 1973 when he signed with the Chicago Bears, although his time with the team was cut short after half a season. Ballew then joined the Southern California Sun in 1974, a team in the now-defunct World Football League. His football journey concluded in 1976 when he was released by the Los Angeles Rams during training camp.
Transitioning into film, Ballew's entry into the movie industry was facilitated by Southern California Sun coach Tom Fears, who also served as a technical advisor for football films. He further enhanced his career through connections with friends like Lorenzo Lamas and managed Lamas's GTO class automobile racing team until 1989. Michael Ballew passed away on October 22, 2023, after a courageous battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, leaving behind a legacy in both sports and film.
Filmography