Who Played Hightower in the Police Academy Movies?
The Police Academy franchise, a series of comedy films that follow the misadventures of a group of bumbling police recruits, has become a beloved classic among fans of slapstick humor and 80s nostalgia. One of the most iconic and memorable characters in the series is Hightower, a towering (literally) and lovable giant of a man who joins the police academy alongside his friends. But who played Hightower in the Police Academy movies?
The Character of Hightower
Hightower is a 7-foot-2-inch tall, gentle giant who is a bit of a simpleton, but has a heart of gold. He is a loyal friend to the other recruits and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Despite his size and strength, Hightower is also incredibly clumsy and accident-prone, often causing more chaos than he intends to.
The Actor Who Played Hightower
The role of Hightower was played by Randall "Tex" Cobb, an American actor and former professional boxer. Cobb was born on July 10, 1950, in San Antonio, Texas, and began his acting career in the late 1970s. He appeared in a number of films and television shows throughout the 1980s, including the Police Academy franchise.
Hightower’s Appearances in the Police Academy Movies
Hightower appears in the following Police Academy movies:
- Police Academy (1984): Hightower is introduced as one of the new recruits at the police academy, where he quickly becomes friends with the other misfits.
- Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment (1985): Hightower and the other recruits are assigned to their first field assignment, where they must deal with a group of robbers.
- Police Academy 3: Back in Training (1986): Hightower and the other recruits are back at the academy, where they must deal with a new batch of recruits who are trying to sabotage their training.
- Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol (1987): Hightower and the other recruits are tasked with leading a community policing program, but things quickly go awry.
- Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach (1988): Hightower and the other recruits are sent to Miami Beach to investigate a string of jewel thefts.
- Police Academy 6: City Under Siege (1989): Hightower and the other recruits must deal with a group of terrorists who are threatening the city.
- Police Academy: Mission to Moscow (1994): Hightower and the other recruits are sent to Moscow to help the Russian police deal with a group of corrupt officials.
Fun Facts About Hightower
Here are a few fun facts about Hightower:
- Hightower’s height: Hightower is 7 feet 2 inches tall, making him one of the tallest characters in the Police Academy franchise.
- Hightower’s weight: Hightower weighs around 300 pounds, making him one of the heaviest characters in the franchise.
- Hightower’s boxing background: Before becoming an actor, Cobb was a professional boxer, and he used his boxing skills to help him prepare for the role of Hightower.
- Hightower’s comedic timing: Cobb’s comedic timing and physical comedy skills made Hightower a fan favorite in the Police Academy franchise.
Conclusion
Hightower is one of the most beloved characters in the Police Academy franchise, and Randall "Tex" Cobb’s portrayal of the lovable giant is a big part of that. With his towering height, gentle giant personality, and comedic timing, Hightower is a character that fans of the franchise will always remember.
