John Quade, a name synonymous with gritty character roles in Westerns and action films, carved a unique niche in Hollywood. Born John William Saunders III on April 1, 1938, in Kansas City, Kansas, Actor John Quade’s journey to the silver screen was as distinctive as his on-screen persona.
Quade’s formative years were spent in Kansas, where he transitioned from Perry Rural High School to Highland Park High School in Topeka in 1954. A physically imposing figure even in his youth, John Quade excelled in athletics at Highland Park, playing as a football tackle and participating in track and basketball. His interests extended beyond sports, as he was also a member of the Stamp, Radio, and Chess/Checkers clubs, showcasing a diverse range of talents and hobbies during his high school years. He graduated in 1956 and furthered his education at Washburn University. Before his foray into acting, John Quade worked at the Santa Fe Railway repair shop in Topeka, Kansas, gaining experience in a practical, hands-on environment.
A significant turning point came in 1964 when actor John Quade moved to California. Initially, his career path led him to aerospace engineering. His meeting with an engineer involved in missile silo construction in Kansas opened up an opportunity at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). As an aerospace engineer, Quade contributed to projects with lasting impact – remarkably, some components he worked on are still on the Moon, highlighting a fascinating, lesser-known chapter in the life of actor John Quade.
However, destiny had a different script for John Quade. An encounter with a movie industry talent scout in 1968 set the stage for his acting debut on television. He made his first appearance in an episode of the iconic Western series “Bonanza,” marking the beginning of his career as actor John Quade. His entry into film followed in 1972, and his physical attributes – a strong, stocky build, a characterful, rough-hewn face, coupled with a drawling accent and squinting eyes – quickly defined his screen presence. Actor John Quade became recognized for portraying menacing villains, intimidating heavies, and often corrupt or hostile law enforcement figures.
Image: John Quade as Cholla in the movie poster for “Every Which Way But Loose”, highlighting his role as the leader of the Black Widows biker gang.
Actor John Quade is perhaps most widely remembered for his comedic role as Cholla, the inept and often comical leader of the Black Widows biker gang in the Clint Eastwood box office hits “Every Which Way But Loose” (1977) and “Any Which Way You Can” (1980). This role showcased a different facet of his acting ability, proving his versatility beyond strictly villainous parts. Prior to these comedies, Quade had already established a strong on-screen dynamic with Eastwood, playing memorable antagonists in the classic Westerns “High Plains Drifter” (1973) and “The Outlaw Josey Wales” (1976). His performances in these Westerns solidified his reputation as a formidable screen presence and a reliable character actor. Another significant role for actor John Quade was Sheriff Biggs in the acclaimed television mini-series “Roots” (1977), further demonstrating his range and ability to embody diverse characters.
While known for his film work, actor John Quade also had recurring roles in television, including appearances in the short-lived series “Flatbush” and “Lucky Luke.” His extensive television credits include guest roles in a vast array of popular shows spanning several decades: “Gunsmoke,” “Ironside,” “Kung Fu,” “Kojak,” “Starsky and Hutch,” “The Bionic Woman,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century,” “Vega$,” “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “CHiPs,” “Hill Street Blues,” “The A-Team,” “Hunter,” “Werewolf,” and “Baywatch.” This impressive list underscores his consistent presence on television throughout the 1970s and 1980s, cementing his status as a working actor in Hollywood.
In the 1990s, actor John Quade stepped away from acting and embraced a new chapter in his life as a devout Christian activist. He became an outspoken critic of the American government and what he termed the New World Order. His political and social views were characterized by his opposition to the 14th Amendment, Social Security numbers, and drivers’ licenses, and he supported the Alledial Title belief rooted in common law. This period of his life reveals a significant shift in focus from entertainment to activism and reflects his deeply held convictions.
Image: A still image of actor John Quade in “The Outlaw Josey Wales”, portraying a villainous character in a classic Western film.
Actor John Quade’s personal life was marked by a long and enduring marriage to his wife Gwen, with whom he shared thirty-eight years. Together, they raised six children. His life journey concluded on August 9, 2009, when he passed away in his sleep due to a heart attack at the age of 71 at his home in Rosamond, California.
Actor John Quade left behind a legacy as a memorable and reliable character actor. While often typecast as villains or authority figures, his performances were always impactful and contributed significantly to the films and television shows he appeared in. From biker gang leader Cholla to countless memorable supporting roles, John Quade’s contribution to the entertainment industry remains a testament to the enduring appeal of the quintessential character actor.
