CLAUDE AKINS

May 25, 1926

Claude Aubrey Akins was best known as Sheriff Lobo on the 1979–81 television series “B. J. and the Bear" and later “The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo”, a spin-off series.

Akins was born in Nelson, Georgia, and grew up in Bedford, Indiana. Some sources say he was born in 1918, making his age at death 75; however, Akins’ son said his father was 67 at the time of his death. 

Akins first appeared (uncredited) in From Here To Eternity (1953). His first big break was in The Caine Mutiny (1954, above), which featured “Lucy” guest-star Van Johnson.   

“I Love Lucy” fans remember Akins as the ‘Giant Native’ in “Desert Island” (ILL S6;E8) on November 26, 1956.  Although playing himself, Akins was nearly unrecognizable in his native make-up and costume.  His low, growling voice gave him away as soon as he spoke.  

In the episode’s plot, Akins is on the island to film a scene for a (fictional) film called The Florida Story. Akins is filming a scene about Ponce de Leon’s landing in Florida, while Ricky is scheduled to appear in the modern-day section. 

In his autobiography, Keith Thibodeaux (Little Ricky) remembers that Akins had really bad breath!

The following year (1957), Akins made two appearances on the Desilu helicopter series “Whirlybirds”. 

From 1960 to 1963, Akins made three appearances on the hit Desilu gangster series “The Untouchables.”

On February 13, 1967, Akins was featured on “The Lucy Show” as Lieutenant Finch in “Lucy Meets the Law” (TLS S5;E19).  In the episode, Lucy Carmichael is arrested for being a jewel thief!  

It turns out to be a woman who looks very much like Lucy!  

Akins continued to do episodic television and films, including playing war-mongering gorilla Aldo in Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973). 

In 1978, he landed the role of Sheriff Elroy P. Lobo on “B.J. and the Bear” (5 episodes) which led to “The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo” (34 episodes). 

Claude Akins married Therese Fairchild in 1952 and had three children. He died on January 27, 1994 of stomach cancer. 

“I was very fortunate that I get paid for what I love to do. I know a lot of good actors who simply can’t find work. Every time I get a job, I say to myself, ‘You’ve beaten the odds.’”