Woody Strode was a remarkable man who excelled in both sports and cinema. He was a decathlete, a football player, a wrestler, and an actor who broke racial barriers and earned critical acclaim. He worked with some of the most renowned directors in Hollywood, such as John Ford, Stanley Kubrick, and Sergio Leone. He was also a friend of John Wayne, Kirk Douglas, and Muhammad Ali. But how did this extraordinary man die? What was the cause of death of Woody Strode?
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Lung Cancer: The Silent Killer
According to Wikipedia, Woody Strode died on December 31, 1994, at the age of 80, in Glendora, California. The cause of death was lung cancer, a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. It is often diagnosed at a late stage, when it has already spread to other organs and is difficult to treat. Lung cancer can be caused by various factors, such as smoking, exposure to asbestos, radon, or air pollution, genetic mutations, or family history.
The Symptoms and Treatment of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer can have different symptoms depending on the type, stage, and location of the tumor. Some of the common signs and symptoms of lung cancer are:
- A persistent cough that does not go away or gets worse
- Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum
- Chest pain that worsens with breathing, coughing, or laughing
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Weight loss or loss of appetite
- Fatigue or weakness
- Recurrent infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia
- Bone pain or fractures
The treatment of lung cancer depends on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient. Some of the common treatment options are:
- Surgery: The removal of part or all of the affected lung or nearby lymph nodes
- Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing
- Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors
- Immunotherapy: The use of drugs to boost the immune system’s ability to fight cancer cells
- Targeted therapy: The use of drugs to block specific genes or proteins that help cancer cells grow and spread
The Legacy of Woody Strode
Woody Strode left behind a rich legacy of achievements and contributions in both sports and cinema. He was one of the first Black American players in the National Football League in the postwar era, playing for the Los Angeles Rams in 1946. He also played for the Calgary Stampeders in Canada, winning the Grey Cup in 1948. He was a professional wrestler who faced opponents such as Gorgeous George and Lou Thesz. He was an actor who starred in over 70 films and television shows, playing roles that challenged stereotypes and showcased his talent and charisma. He was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Draba in Spartacus (1960), where he fought against Kirk Douglas in a memorable gladiator scene. He also appeared in classic Westerns such as The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), and The Quick and the Dead (1987). He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1992.
Woody Strode was a man who lived a full and adventurous life. He was a trailblazer who opened doors for other Black American athletes and actors. He was a legend who inspired generations of fans and admirers. He was a hero who fought against injustice and oppression. He was a human being who faced challenges and hardships with courage and dignity. He was Woody Strode, and he will never be forgotten.
