ACTOR · BORN 1943
Don Stroud
- Born
- 1 September 1943, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
- Known for
- Django Unchained (2012), Licence to Kill (1989), Hawaii Five-0 (2010), Knight Rider (1982)
12 archived facts 4 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
All facts (12)
- #001
During the filming of the 1971 movie Von Richthofen and Brown, Don Stroud survived a plane crash and stayed in cold water for 45 minutes, saving the pilot's life. The incident showed that he was not only an actor but also someone who displayed extraordinary composure and endurance. After the crash, the producers and crew talked about his heroism for a long time. Stroud's experience was also regarded as an indication of his natural talent in action scenes.
- #002
In the early 1990s, in Greenwich Village, New York, Don Stroud tried to help a man who was being robbed on the street and was viciously stabbed by the attackers. Stabbed ten times, including in his right eye, the actor completely lost the sight in his right eye as a result of the attack. The incident revealed his courage and determination to help others, while also leaving deep physical and emotional scars for the rest of his life. Despite this tragic experience, Stroud continued his acting career and appeared in many projects.
- #003
Before starting his acting career, Don Stroud was known worldwide as a professional surfer. Among the best in the surfing world in the 1960s, Stroud rose as high as fourth in the world rankings. This achievement shows his physical abilities and his strong connection to the water. His surfing career gave him a discipline and endurance that would later benefit him in acting as well. Stroud's surfing background formed the basis of his natural and energetic performances on screen.
- #004
In the 1978 film The Buddy Holly Story, Don Stroud not only acted but also played drums on the film's soundtrack in a live performance. This was a rare experience that also revealed his musical talent. Stroud's drumming ability gave the film's music an authentic feel and made audiences sense the rock and roll atmosphere of the era more realistically. This performance proved that he was a versatile artist, and his contribution to the film's music received positive reactions from critics.
- #005
Don Stroud worked as the stunt double for lead actor Troy Donahue on the television series Hawaiian Eye (1959). This job demonstrated his physical courage and his skill in risky scenes. Stunt work was an important stepping stone in Stroud's transition to an acting career and gave him the opportunity to learn the set environment. This experience also paved the way for him to do his own stunts in action scenes later on. Stroud's work during this period was an early indication of his versatility in the industry.
- #006
Early in his acting career, Stroud worked as a bouncer at the legendary Whisky-A-Go-Go on Los Angeles's famous Sunset Strip. He later rose to become the venue's manager. During this period he established close relationships with the era's famous musicians and artists. Whisky-A-Go-Go was the heart of the 1960s rock music scene, and Stroud both provided security and managed the venue's operations there. This experience developed his skills in communicating with people and handling difficult situations, and it later served him well in acting.
- #007
Don Stroud appeared as a guest actor in two different police series set in Hawaii: the original Hawaii Five-O, which began in 1968, and the 2010 remake Hawaii Five-0. Although nearly half a century separates the two productions, Stroud took roles in both series, becoming part of Hawaii-themed television history. This drew attention as an indication of his long and varied career. Stroud's performances in these series made him known to both older and newer generations of viewers.
- #008
Appearing as a nude centerfold in the November issue of Playgirl Magazine in 1973, Stroud was paid 10,000 dollars for the pose. This was a very high sum for an actor at the time and was proof of his physical appeal. This kind of publication marked a different period in his career and attracted public attention. Stroud's move showed that he had a bold and unconventional personality. The event also revealed that he was not only an actor but also a part of popular culture.
- #009
Don Stroud holds a black belt in karate. This shows his mastery and discipline in martial arts. His karate training helped him deliver natural and convincing performances in the fight scenes of action films. This ability made Stroud a sought-after actor in action productions. In addition, the physical conditioning he gained through karate enabled him to handle demanding scenes over many years. This black belt proved that he was not only an actor but also a true martial artist.
- #010
After a career spanning many years, Don Stroud returned to Honolulu and began living in Hawaii Kai with his wife Teri. This shows his strong bond with Hawaii and his preference for a quiet life in retirement. Hawaii Kai is a beautiful area of Honolulu, and Stroud's choice to live there reveals that he loved a life intertwined with nature. During this period Stroud continued to consider occasional acting offers. This peaceful period spent with his wife formed a new page in his life.
- #011
Don Stroud completed his education at Kaimuki High School in Honolulu. This high school was an important part of the period he spent in his youth and reinforced his roots in Hawaii. After graduating from Kaimuki High School, Stroud focused on his surfing and acting careers. This education contributed to him becoming a disciplined individual. Stroud's graduation from this high school also strengthened his connection to the Hawaii community. This period formed an important foundation in his life.
- #012
Don Stroud's family played an important role in his life. The son of his father Clarence Stroud and his mother Ann McCormack, Stroud was the stepson of Paul Livermore and the former stepson of the famous actor Jackie Coogan. He was also the brother of actor Duke Stroud and the nephew of Claude Stroud, Gloria Brewster, Barbara Brewster and Bob LeMond. These extensive family ties meant he grew up in an environment intertwined with the world of the arts. Stroud's family was influential in his career and personal development. These family members were an important source of support in both his professional and private life.
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