Alan Autry
Alan Autry – Life, Career & Contributions
Learn about Alan Autry — American actor, former NFL player, and two-term mayor of Fresno, California. Explore his journey from football to TV stardom to public service.
Introduction
Alan Autry (full name Carlos Alan Autry Jr., also known for a time as Carlos Brown) is an American actor, former professional football player, radio host, and politician. Captain Bubba Skinner on the TV series In the Heat of the Night. Mayor of Fresno, California (2001–2009).
His life is notable for transitions across sports, entertainment, and public service—showing adaptability and public engagement.
Early Life & Background
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Alan Autry was born on July 31, 1952, in Shreveport, Louisiana.
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His birth name was Carlos Alan Autry Jr.
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After his parents divorced when he was very young, he was raised by his mother and stepfather, and the family moved to California’s San Joaquin Valley, working as migrant farm laborers.
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He lived in Riverdale, California, from age 12 onward.
These early years shaped his perspectives and work ethic, coming from humble roots.
Football Career
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In high school, Autry starred as quarterback for the Riverdale Cowboys.
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He attended the University of the Pacific (Stockton, California), where he played both quarterback and tight end.
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In the 1975 NFL Draft, he was selected by the Green Bay Packers.
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He started in three games in 1976 before being cut by coach Bart Starr, ending his NFL career.
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Later, he attempted a comeback in the Canadian Football League (CFL), playing for the British Columbia Lions in 1979 (using the name Carlos Brown).
His football career was relatively brief but provided a stepping stone to his later pursuits.
Acting & Entertainment Career
Film & Television Roles
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Autry made his film debut in Remember My Name (1978).
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He appeared in North Dallas Forty (1979) and Southern Comfort (1981) under the name Carlos Brown.
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His best-known television role is as Captain Bubba Skinner in In the Heat of the Night, a series which ran from 1988 to 1995.
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He also had roles in TV shows like Grace Under Fire (1995–96) and guest appearances on many other series.
Production & Music
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In 1997, Autry founded Dirt Road Productions.
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He produced The Legend of Jake Kincaid (2002), a Western based on his own story.
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He has participated in music projects, particularly in collaboration with co-actors for charity albums.
Conversion & Personal Growth
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During his time in Hollywood, Autry struggled with alcohol and drug issues.
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In 1986, he became a born-again Christian, and his life direction shifted significantly.
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He reconnected with his birth father in 1981 while filming Southern Comfort in Louisiana, and at that time reclaimed his surname “Autry” (dropping “Brown”).
His personal transformation deepened his commitment to public service and values.
Political Career: Mayor of Fresno
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Alan Autry entered politics and was elected Mayor of Fresno, California in November 2000, taking office January 5, 2001.
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He won re-election in 2004 with over 72% of the vote.
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Due to term limits, he served two full terms and left office in January 2009.
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During his mayoralty, he focused on public safety, urban development, local accountability, and community engagement. (Public discourse)
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In 2008, Autry endorsed Ashley Swearengin as his successor.
His political role showed that he could shift from entertainment to meaningful civic leadership.
Other Roles & Later Activities
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After his mayoral tenure, Autry hosted a talk radio show: from 2008 to 2011 on KYNO AM 940 in Fresno, and later on KXEX 1550 AM.
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He remains active in community, faith, and media circles.
Legacy & Significance
Alan Autry’s life is a narrative of reinvention: from migrant farm worker to athlete, actor, spiritual transformation, and civic leader. He shows that public figures can evolve deeply—both personally and in vocation. His tenure as mayor and his entertainment roles helped him connect with multiple audiences.
He remains a figure remembered not just for his TV persona, but for committing to public service and community in the later chapters of his life.