Warren Oates rose from his humble upbringing in a rural Kentucky town to experience major success in Hollywood. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Warren developed an interest in theater. It was only a matter of time before the sexy thespian began scoring roles on camera. During his career, the late actor was associated with Westerns, from TV shows (The Big Valley, Gunsmoke, Rawhide, The Virginian, Wagon Train, Wanted Dead or Alive) to Sam Peckinpah’s gritty flicks Ride the High Country (1962), The Wild Bunch (1969) and Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974). In between, Warren could be seen in the cult Western The Hired Hand (1971) directed by Peter Fonda. The prolific performer often appeared in movies made by prestigious directors, including Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s There Was a Crooked Man... (1970); Terrence Malick’s Badlands (1973); William Friedkin’s The Brink’s Job (1978); and Steven Spielberg’s 1941 (1979). Through the years, Oates exposed his… versatility in the Academy Award-winning mystery In the Heat of the Night (1967); the gangster biopic Dillinger (1973); the family musical Tom Sawyer (1973); the horror film Race with the Devil (1975); and the military comedy Stripes (1981). Yet we’re more turned on by the handsome hottie’s topless turn in the action flick Drum (1976). The R-rated drama features Ken Norton, Pam Grier, and Warren’s flesh! As he lounges in bed, enjoying a martini with his lady, we drink in his shirtless chest. No wonder Mr. Man would love to sow his oats with Mr. Oates!
