Robert Tessier  Robert W. Tessier (June 2, 1934 – October 11, 1990) was an American actor and stuntman who was best known for playing heavy, menacing characters in films and on television. Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, of Algonquian descent, Tessier served as a paratrooper in the Korean War earning both a Silver Star and Purple Heart. Tessier was an accomplished motorcycle rider doing stunts in the circus. These skills helped him secure his first film role in "The Born Losers" directed by Tom Laughlin. With his shaven head, size and threatening appearance, Tessier went on to play a series of villainous roles on both TV and in film. He later formed a stunt troupe called Stunts Unlimited with director Hal Needham. Tessier starred as the menacing convict "Connie Shokner" in the 1974 comedy-drama "The Longest Yard" with Burt Reynolds (whom he counted as one of his friends) and as Kevin in "The Deep". He also played alongside Charles Bronson, as a bare knuckle fighter in the film "Hard Times" and as a main villain in "Breakheart Pass". In his spare time, Tessier was an accomplished cabinet maker often making pieces for his co-stars. Tessier died of cancer in 1990.