Beloved actor Bernie Casey, who starred in the classic 1988 film I'm Gonna Git You Sucka, died of an undisclosed illness Wednesday, Sept. 20 at the age of 78.  

Before becoming a successful actor, the 6'4 giant was a first-round draft pick and wide receiver in the NFL from 1961-68. Casey played for the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams raking up 5,444 receiving yards and 40 touchdowns. But his career as a football player was only the beginning.  

He went on to be a Blaxploitation movie star in the 1970s, and went on to be cast in a number of major Hollywood movies in the following decades. 

Casey starred or co-starred in several enduring films throughout his career, including: Cleopatra Jones, Brian's Song, Sharky's Machine, Revenge of the Nerds Spies Like Us, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, Never Say Never Again and others. 

Having two successful careers wasn't all we will remember Casey for.

In the 90s and early 2000s, Casey made a name for himself as an artist and poet. His work was so incredible, many of his paintings were featured in exhibits around the nation. And his poetry even caught the attention of acclaimed poet Maya Angelou.

“Casey has the heart and the art to put his insight on canvas, and I am heartened by his action. For then I can comprehend his vision and some of my own. His art makes my road less rocky, and my path less crooked,” Angelou said in 2003.

The actor, athele, painter and poet was a true legend and the textbook definition of a renaissance man.