Biography

A one-time champion roller skater, he performed many of his own stunts in the film Rollerball (1975). He was also a proficient boxer and won several amateur titles in his life, most notably the heavyweight 'Golden Gloves' of Chicago.

His big breakthrough was in the movie The Other Side of Midnight (1977) in which he played the male lead. The film was a huge box office flop, largely due to 20th Century Fox's decision to throw full weight behind the first Star Wars film.

Met wife Tina Carter, a former British model, in Mexico when they were both working on the movie, Lawman (1971). They married in 1971 and have four children -- one son named Tara James Beck (B. June 10, 1971) and three daughters named Tatiana Elena Beck (B. January 1973), Talia Marina Beck (B. May 29, 1976) and Natasha Danielle Beck (B. October 18, 1979).

Made his first TV appearance as an actor in the I Dream of Jeannie (1965) episode, Russian Roulette (1965).

Born in Chicago and grew up in Evanston and Joliet, Illinois. He lived on his father's farm/ranch and while young was interested in becoming a vet.