Anthony Wilford Brimley was born on September 27, 1934, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Lola Nelson and real estate broker Wilford Brimley12. His diverse ancestry included English, Scottish, Danish, German, Swiss, and Welsh roots1. Brimley's early life was marked by a series of unconventional choices that would later inform his acting career:

• At age 14, Brimley dropped out of high school to work as a cowboy in Arizona, Idaho, and Nevada12.

• He joined the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, serving for three years in the Aleutian Islands13.

• After his military service, Brimley worked various jobs, including as a bodyguard for Howard Hughes, a ranch hand, a wrangler, and a blacksmith13.

These early experiences provided Brimley with the authentic background that would later lend credibility to his portrayals of gruff, no-nonsense characters in film and television. His lack of formal acting training was offset by the wealth of real-world experiences he brought to his roles, contributing to his reputation as a genuine and relatable presence on screen34.

Wilford Brimley's breakthrough in the entertainment industry came in 1974 when he was cast in the popular television series "The Waltons" as Horace Brimley, a recurring character who appeared in 10 episodes over three years12. This role marked his first credited screen appearance and helped establish him as a recognizable character actor1.

• Brimley's character on "The Waltons" was a Walton's Mountain resident and blacksmith, a role that aligned well with his real-life background3.

• His authentic portrayal, often seen sitting in a rocking chair on a porch, resonated with audiences and showcased his natural acting ability1.

Following his success on "The Waltons," Brimley's career gained momentum. He transitioned to film roles, with his first major movie appearance coming in 1979's "The China Syndrome"2. This led to a string of notable performances in the 1980s, including roles in cult classics like "The Thing" (1982) and "Cocoon" (1985), which firmly established him as a versatile and respected actor in Hollywood45.

Wilford Brimley's personal life was marked by his strong faith, family values, and rural lifestyle. He was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life12. Brimley was married twice, first to Lynne Bagley from 1956 until her death in 2000, with whom he had four sons: James, John, William, and Lawrence31.

In 2007, Brimley married Beverly Berry, and the couple split their time between homes in Greybull, Wyoming, and Santa Clara, Utah12. Together, they founded the nonprofit organization Hands Across the Saddle (HATS) in 2009, reflecting Brimley's lifelong passion for horses and Western culture1. Outside of acting, Brimley enjoyed playing poker and participated in the World Series of Poker Main Event1. His personal interests and background often influenced his choice of roles and public persona, contributing to his authentic portrayal of gruff yet endearing characters on screen.

Wilford Brimley became a prominent advocate for diabetes awareness after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1979. He used his platform as a well-known actor to raise awareness about the disease and encourage people to get tested. Brimley appeared in numerous commercials for Liberty Medical, promoting diabetes testing supplies and education1.

• The American Diabetes Association honored Brimley in 2008 with an award recognizing his lifetime of service in advocating for diabetes awareness21.

• His distinctive pronunciation of "diabetes" as "diabeetus" in commercials became an internet meme, which Brimley embraced with good humor13.

• Brimley visited Veterans Administration hospitals and communities to advise patients on managing their diabetes1.

Through his advocacy work, Brimley helped reduce the stigma associated with diabetes and encouraged open discussions about the disease, stating, "[Many people] have diabetes, and they deny it. They think there's something to be ashamed about."4