For a long time, Brian was the original “You know…that guy…he was in…umm, Cocoon and I think Tommy Boy!” actor. I was guilty of forgetting his name too until Cocoon which would’ve been around 1985. What can you say though. Being “forgotten” because you blend in as an everyman is the sign of being a great actor as you can play numerous parts!
Brian was often cast as the heavy which is how he received his first major break in the original Rambo: First Blood movie. I think he was the corrupt sheriff harassing the character (the actor managed to dodge Vietnam). Away he went. I was always glad though too see him as a good guy or at least someone who wasn’t causing harm, especially after he was cast as the boogey-man of the Seventies, John Wayne Gacey (sic).
Thank you Brian for all the entertainment you provided me and it turned out, you were a really nice person in real life. Patton Oswalt worked you into his funny story regarding a premiere party involving Batman Begins which shows geeks like Patton and me always appreciated you!