Fred Dryer is a name that resonates not only in sports but also in entertainment. He has built a remarkable legacy with a diverse career that spans from the football field to Hollywood. This article will explore Fred Dryer net worth, career, and personal life, shedding light on how he went from being an NFL legend to a television star. Fred Dryer Net Worth is a result of his dedication to both football and acting, making him one of the most well-rounded figures in entertainment.
Introduction to Fred Dryer
John Frederick Dryer, more commonly known as Fred Dryer, is an American actor, radio host, and former professional football player. Born on July 6, 1946, in Hawthorne, California, Fred Dryer has made significant contributions to both the world of sports and entertainment. His NFL career spanned from 1969 to 1981, playing as a defensive end with the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams. In addition to his athletic achievements, he made a successful transition to acting and became a household name through his iconic role in the television series Hunter.
Summary Fred Dryer:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Frederick Dryer |
| Date of Birth | July 6, 1946 |
| Age | 78 years (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Hawthorne, California, United States |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Weight | 240 lbs (109 kg) |
| Profession | Actor, Radio Host, Former NFL Player |
| Position in NFL | Defensive End |
| NFL Career | 13 seasons (1969–1981) |
| NFL Teams | New York Giants (1969–1971), Los Angeles Rams (1972–1981) |
| NFL Achievements | – 103 career sacks |
| – Most safeties in a game: 2 (NFL record) | |
| – Most safeties in a season: 2 (tied NFL record) | |
| – Pro Bowl (1975), NFL Sacks Leader (1974) | |
| Acting Career Highlights | – Hunter (1984–1991) as Sgt. Rick Hunter |
| – Land’s End (1995–1996), Diagnosis Murder, The Millers | |
| – Films: Death Before Dishonor (1987), Highway 395 (2000) | |
| Education | – Lawndale High School, California |
| – El Camino Junior College (1965–1966) | |
| – San Diego State University (1967–1968) | |
| Spouse | Tracy Vaccaro (m. 1983–1988) |
| Children | Caitlin Nell Dryer |
| Parents | Charles F. Dryer, Genevieve Nell Clark |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $12 million |
| Notable Traits | Tough, action-oriented roles; seamless transition from sports to acting |
| Current Status | Alive (as of 2025), continuing to enjoy his legacy in sports and acting |
Who is Fred Dryer?
Fred Dryer career has been multifaceted. He gained fame first as a dominant force in professional football, becoming a Pro Bowl player and NFL sacks leader. After his football career, he moved into acting, where he found success as a leading man on television. Dryer transition from sports to entertainment is a testament to his adaptability and natural talent. He continues to be remembered as both a fierce football player and a memorable TV star.
Fred Dryer Date of Birth and Age
Fred Dryer was born on July 6, 1946, in Hawthorne, California. As of 2025, he is 78 years old. Despite his age, Fred Dryer remains an active figure in the entertainment industry, engaging with fans and occasionally appearing at public events.
Fred Dryer Physical Appearance
Fred Dryer stands tall at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) and weighs around 240 pounds (109 kg). His height and athletic build were essential to his success in football, and his physical attributes allowed him to excel as a defensive end in the NFL. This imposing stature also made him a natural fit for his roles in television and film.
Fred Dryer Net Worth Overview
As of 2025, Fred Dryer net worth is estimated to be $12 million. His wealth is a result of his successful career in both professional sports and acting. Dryer career achievements, including his record-setting NFL stats and his long-running role as Rick Hunter on Hunter, have allowed him to accumulate significant financial success. His post-retirement ventures, including acting and commentary work, also contribute to his current wealth.
Early Life and Background
Fred Dryer’s journey to stardom began in Hawthorne, California. Raised by his parents, Charles F. Dryer and Genevieve Nell Clark, Fred developed an interest in sports early in life. He attended Lawndale High School, where he excelled in football. His exceptional skills on the field led him to pursue a college education at San Diego State University, where he played football for two years before entering the NFL Draft in 1969. His dedication and hard work in college football earned him a spot in the NFL and laid the foundation for his successful career.
Fred Dryer Career in Football
Fred Dryer’s football career began when he was drafted by the New York Giants in 1969. After three seasons with the Giants, he moved to the Los Angeles Rams, where he played for the remainder of his career until 1981. Over his 13-year career, Dryer participated in 176 games and recorded 103 career sacks. He was widely regarded as one of the most dominant defensive players of his era.
Dryer’s career highlights include being a Pro Bowler in 1975, earning Second-team All-Pro honors in 1974, and leading the NFL in sacks that year. He was also the NFL sacks leader in 1974 and set the NFL record for the most safeties in a game (two) and most safeties in a season (two, tied). Dryer’s time with the Rams left a lasting legacy, as he helped solidify the team’s defensive strength during his tenure.
Transition from Football to Acting
After retiring from football in 1981, Fred Dryer transitioned to a career in acting. His years of experience as an athlete, coupled with his natural charisma, made him a perfect candidate for an entertainment career. Dryer first worked as a color commentator for football games before diving into acting full-time. His ability to adapt to new challenges made his transition from the football field to television seem seamless.
Notable Roles and Acting Career
Fred Dryer Movies and TV Shows
Fred Dryer is best known for his role as Sgt. Rick Hunter in the popular TV series Hunter (1984–1991). In this iconic show, he portrayed a tough, no-nonsense cop committed to bringing justice to the streets of Los Angeles. Dryer’s commanding presence and action-oriented persona made the character memorable, earning him a devoted fan base. His work on Hunter remains a defining part of his acting career, showcasing his ability to transition seamlessly from professional football to Hollywood.
Beyond Hunter, Dryer expanded his acting portfolio with notable roles in TV series like Land’s End (1995–1996), Diagnosis Murder, and The Millers. He also appeared in action films such as Death Before Dishonor (1987) and Highway 395 (2000). Drawing on his NFL background, Dryer’s performances often exuded strength and determination, cementing his reputation as a versatile and compelling actor.
Fred Dryer Income Sources
Fred Dryer net worth has been built from multiple sources of income. These include:
- NFL Earnings: As a prominent player in the NFL, Dryer earned a significant salary over his 13-year career.
- Acting Roles: Dryer’s most notable income source post-retirement comes from his acting career. His role in Hunter and other TV shows contributed substantially to his earnings.
- Endorsements and Public Appearances: Dryer also participated in commercials and made appearances that contributed to his wealth.
- Commentary: After his playing career, Dryer worked as a football commentator, another source of income.
Fred Dryer Current Wife and Family
Fred Dryer was married to actress Tracy Vaccaro from 1983 to 1988, and they have a daughter, Caitlin Nell Dryer. Though Fred Dryer has kept much of his personal life private in recent years, his family life was an important part of his journey. His daughter Caitlin has occasionally been in the public eye, though Fred has maintained a low-key approach to his relationships.
Are Fred Dryer and Stepfanie Kramer Still Friends?
Fred Dryer and Stepfanie Kramer, who co-starred with him on Hunter, developed a strong on-screen relationship. Fans of the show still wonder about their off-screen relationship, especially since the two played such a close-knit team. While their professional collaboration ended with the series, it seems they remain friendly today. Their mutual respect for one another is clear, even though they have not worked together since.
Tracy Vaccaro and Fred Dryer
Fred Dryer’s marriage to Tracy Vaccaro lasted from 1983 to 1988. The couple’s relationship was widely publicized, and they have one daughter together. Despite their divorce, Fred and Tracy have maintained a cordial relationship and have focused on co-parenting Caitlin.
Fred Dryer House and Real Estate
Fred Dryer has owned multiple properties throughout his life, including luxurious homes in California. His real estate portfolio reflects his success in both football and entertainment. Although he tends to keep details of his real estate transactions private, his high-profile career has undoubtedly allowed him to invest in significant properties.
Is Fred Dryer Still Alive?
Yes, Fred Dryer is still alive. As of 2025, he is 78 years old and continues to make occasional public appearances. While he no longer plays an active role in television or football, his legacy lives on, and fans continue to admire him for his contributions to both fields.
Fred Dryer’s Legacy and Influence
Fred Dryer’s impact on both football and television has been significant. He is remembered for his record-breaking achievements in the NFL, including his safety record. On television, his role in Hunter solidified him as a pop culture icon. He continues to be admired for his versatility and for successfully making the transition from football to acting.
Social Media Presence and Public Appearances
Fred Dryer maintains a low profile on social media, but his legacy thrives through dedicated fan pages and tributes. While not highly active online, fans can still connect with him through platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Occasionally, Fred makes public appearances at events, allowing fans to meet him and honor his remarkable achievements in sports and entertainment.
Conclusion
Fred Dryer journey from football to Hollywood is one of success and versatility. With a net worth of $12 million, Fred Dryer has proven himself to be a powerhouse in both sports and entertainment. From his record-breaking football career to his memorable role as Rick Hunter, Fred Dryer’s influence continues to be felt. Fred Dryer Net Worth reflects the impact he has had on both industries, and his legacy as an athlete and actor will continue to inspire for years to come.
FAQs About Fred Dryer
1. What is Fred Dryer’s age?
Fred Dryer is 78 years old as of 2025.
2. When was Fred Dryer born?
Fred Dryer was born on July 6, 1946, in Hawthorne, California, United States.
3. What is Fred Dryer’s net worth?
Fred Dryer’s estimated net worth is $12 million as of 2025.
4. What are the main sources of Fred Dryer’s income?
Fred Dryer earns primarily from his acting career, including television roles like Hunter and films such as Death Before Dishonor. His past NFL career also contributed significantly to his wealth, along with endorsements and appearances.
5. What is Fred Dryer’s career background?
Fred Dryer began his career as a professional football player in the NFL, playing as a defensive end for the New York Giants (1969–1971) and the Los Angeles Rams (1972–1981). After retiring from football, he transitioned to acting, becoming well-known for his role as Sgt. Rick Hunter in the TV series Hunter (1984–1991).
6. How long did Fred Dryer play in the NFL?
Fred Dryer played in the NFL for 13 seasons, from 1969 to 1981.
7. What are some of Fred Dryer’s notable acting roles?
Fred Dryer is best known for his role as Sgt. Rick Hunter in Hunter. He also appeared in TV series such as Land’s End and Diagnosis Murder and films like Death Before Dishonor (1987).
8. What records did Fred Dryer set in the NFL?
Fred Dryer holds the NFL record for the most safeties in a single game (2) and is tied for the most safeties in a season (2). Read More Trendyconvoy.