Steelers’ ‘Mean’ Joe Greene’s Overlooked Acting Career in the Early 1970s

Most people, when they think of “Mean” Joe Greene, remember his brutal tackles at Three Rivers Stadium or his famous Coca-Cola Superbowl commercial. However, many may not know that Greene also ventured into the film world, with several movies to his credit.

Among the 1970s Steelers, Terry Bradshaw is often noted for his success in films. Still, Joe Greene also made significant efforts in the movie industry. His films were mostly low-budget independent productions, with some falling under the ‘blaxploitation’ genre—a significant yet polarizing chapter in cinema history of the 1970s.

For avid fans of “Mean” Joe Greene who may not have seen his movies, they offer an interesting way to spend a Friday or Saturday evening. While they may not be Oscar-caliber, they are certainly worth exploring.

In 1973, Joe starred in two movies, one of which was “The Black Six.” Greene was joined by fellow NFL players like Willie Lanier from the Kansas City Chiefs, Gene Washington from the San Francisco 49ers, Mercury Morris from the Miami Dolphins, Carl Eller from the Minnesota Vikings, and Lem Barney from the Detroit Lions.

The plot revolves around six Vietnam War veterans, who roam on their motorcycles doing odd jobs. When Bubba Daniels, played by Gene Washington, learns of his brother’s murder, he returns to his hometown to seek justice. His friends, including Joe Greene, join him on this quest.

Without giving too much away, Daniels discovers his brother was killed by a racist motorcycle gang for being in an interracial relationship. This revelation leads to an inevitable showdown between the two biker gangs.

The film’s cast also featured cameo appearances, such as Maury Wills of the L.A. Dodgers. Ben Davidson, another former NFL player, portrayed a villain from the rival biker gang. Though the film didn’t leave a lasting impression, it did feature a memorable scene with Greene lifting someone over his head, showcasing his formidable strength.

“Horror High” was Joe Greene’s second film of 1973. Despite earning second billing in the credits, his screen time was minimal. He played two roles: a high school P.E. teacher (or coach) and later, a policeman.

The movie, a low-quality horror film, followed a bullied high school student who transforms into a monstrous version of himself after drinking a chemical. He then takes revenge on his tormentors. Greene’s contribution was limited to a single line, though he did get to demonstrate some impressive use of a police shotgun, which was perhaps the movie’s main highlight.

In 1975, Greene appeared in “Lady Cocoa,” reuniting with Gene Washington. This time, Greene played a villain—a notable difference from his previous roles. Washington’s character is a cop tasked with protecting Cocoa, who is testifying against a former boyfriend, Eddie. Eddie then hires Joe’s character, Big Joe, to eliminate Cocoa.

Despite his significant screen time, “Mean” Joe had no lines but conveyed the menacing presence the role demanded. While the role of a hitman might not have suited Greene perfectly, it was still intriguing to see him wielding a shotgun on screen.

After these three movies, Joe Greene’s acting endeavors dwindled, save for his iconic Superbowl commercial in 1979 and cameos in films like “All the Marbles,” “Smokey and the Bandit II,” and “Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls.” He also appeared in the 1980 movie “Fighting Back: The Story of Rocky Bleier,” a biographical film based on Rock Bleier’s book “Fighting Back.” Given its focus on Bleier, it naturally included cameos from other Steelers, including Greene.

For those interested in exploring Joe Greene’s ventures into cinema, “The Black Six” and “Lady Cocoa” are available for free on Tubi, while “Horror High” can be streamed for free on Plex. Although these movies might not be masterpieces, they offer an entertaining way to spend an afternoon during the football off-season.

Source: Multiple sources