Character actor Dennis Burkley, who made a name for himself playing burly bikers and truckers on Tv and in movies, has died at the age of 67.

He passed away in his sleep at his home in Sherman Oaks, California on Sunday (14Jul13) after a battle will ill health, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Born in Van Nuys, he received his master's degree in theatre at Texas Christian University in Forth Worth, Texas before pursing an acting career and landing his first gig in Arnold Schwarzenegger's Stay Hungry after meeting director Bob Rafelson while working as a pool boy.

He was perhaps best known as the voice of Principal Carl Moss on animated hit Tv series King of the Hill and the giant mute biker who befriended Eric Stoltz in 1985 film Mask.

His other credits include stints in popular shows Hill Street Blues, Heroes, Hollywood Homicide, Wanted: Dead or Alive, Jag, The Drew Carey Show and My Name is Earl.

He also appeared in films like No Way Out, Who’s That Girl, Fletch Lives and The Doors, and co-wrote and directed a 2005 independent film, called Repetition.