Bubba Smith, a National Football League star who went on to a successful career as a television and film actor, was found dead on August 3, 2011, at his home in Los Angeles. He was 66.

News reports did not indicate a cause of death, but a spokesman for the Los Angeles County coroner’s office said, “There is no indication of anything other than natural death."

A defensive lineman who stood 6-foot-7 and weighed nearly 300 pounds, Smith was the No. 1 draft pick for the Baltimore Colts in 1967. He spent nine seasons in the N.F.L. and played on two Pro Bowl teams, in 1970 and 1971. In 1971 he helped lead the Colts defeat the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V.

He was traded to the Oakland Raiders before the start of the 1972 season and played two seasons with the Raiders before ending his career with the Houston Oilers. He retired after the 1976 season.

WHen his football career ended, Smith made a smooth transition to acting. He was best known as Moses Hightower, the florist-turned-lawman in the 1984 comedy Police Academy and various sequels.

He starred in the 198 television series Blue Thunder and had guest roles in many other shows, including Good Times, Charlie’s Angels, Semi-Tough, Hart to Hart, Married...With Children and Family Matters.

In addition, Smith appeared in a memorable series of commercials for Miller Lite beer, featuring the catch phrase “Tastes Great; Less Filling."

He was born Charles Aaron Smith on February 28, 1945, in Beaumont, Texas. His father, a stern disciplinarian, coached the high school football team on which he played.

Smith played defensive end at Michigan State, where he was an all-American in 1965 and 1966.

As a senior, Smith took part in what came to be called the “game of the century," played at home against Notre Dame on November 19, 1966. Smith sacked and knocked out Notre Dame quarterback Terry Hanratty in the first quarter, and the game ended in a 10-10 tie.

Smith was named to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988. Michigan State retired his number, 95, in 2006.