Jan-Michael Vincent

Jan-Michael Vincent is an American actor with an extensive film and television career from the 1960s through the 1980s.

Fast Facts

1. Born: July 15, 1944
2. Birthplace: July 15, 1944
3. Notable role: Stringfellow Hawke in Airwolf
4. First film: Los Bandidos, 1964
5. Last film: White Boy in 2002
6. He says, due to alcoholism, he no longer remembers his career
7. Has one daughter

Career

Considered by some as the "Brad Pitt of his time," Vincent's outbreak role was in the made-for-TV film Tribes in 1970, where he played a "hippie" draftee. He continued to work through the decade in The Undefeated with John Wayne, the surfer film Big Wednesday alongside Gary Busey, and 1972's Sand Castles.

In 1983, Vincent was casted for what some consider his most famous role, starring as recluse pilot Stringfellow Hawke in the helicopter action TV series Airwolf. At this period, Vincent was at the peak of his career, reportedly one of the highest paid TV actors of his time.

Airwolf only lasted three seasons with Vincent, due to his alcohol and drug problems. Since then, he has starred in low-budget films, the last being White Boy in 2002.

Alcoholism

An admitted alcoholic, Vincent has been in two car accidents under the influence--one in 1996 left him with three broken vertebrae and damaged vocal chords.

In a recent interview with The Insider, Vincent said he did not remember either car accident and, despite rumors that suggest the contrary, maintains that he is presently in good health.

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