Wilford Brimley is best known to fans as Dr. Blair in the classic John Carpenter horror film the Thing.

He has appeared in many notable films including The China Syndrome (1979), The Natural (1984), Cocoon (1985) and The Firm (1993). He had a recurring role on the 1970s television series The Waltons. Brimley has also done multiple television advertisements, including for the Quaker Oats Company and Liberty Medical.

Brimley also had a memorable guest role on Seinfeld.