From Super Bowl, 'The Goonies' to an early grave: the story of John Matuszak

John Matuszak was a giant in life, football, pop culture and film. This massive athlete triumphed throughout the 1970s and 1980s, but his life was cut short at the age of 38. Do you remember his iconic roles and wins? Read on for his dizzying story of highs and lows...

But depending on the audience, he may be best remembered for his role in the 1985 children's classic: 'The Goonies.'

Photo: Warner Bros

As time passed, 'The Goonies' became a cult film, elevating two of its characters to legendary status: Chunk and Sloth.

Jeff Cohen, who played Chunk, left acting around 1991 and ended up founding his own entertainment law firm in L.A.

Photo: Warner Bros

John Matuszak, the giant who portrayed Sloth, wasn't as fortunate. He passed away in June 1989.

John Matuszak was a giant man at 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 meters) and 272 pounds (123 kilograms), chosen first in the 1973 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers.

During his playing career, he won two Super Bowls with the Oakland Raiders (1977 and 1981), in addition to playing for teams like the Washington Redskins, Kansas City Chiefs, and Houston Texans. Interestingly, Sloth appears in a scene of the movie wearing a Raiders jersey.

However, in the early '80s, his imposing physique led him to Hollywood, where he gradually made a name for himself as a recurring stunt double in movies and TV.

Throughout the decade, he appeared in series like 'The A Team' and 'MASH', and in films such as 'Caveman' and 'One Man Force'.

But it was his role as Sloth, even though he was unrecognizable, that brought him worldwide fame and eternal glory in the hearts of several generations who, for years, would mimic the character's voice while eating chocolate.

His “Hey you guys!” may go down in history as one of the most iconic lines ever, but he also had “Mama!” — his cry for help when he’s in danger; and the ones that show his sweet tooth: “Chocolate! Chocolate! Chocolate!” “Rocky Road?” and “Baby Ruth!”

Image: Warner Bros

Indeed, it was after 'The Goonies' that John Matuszak's career began to soar, even landing lead roles in some projects. But fate, misfortune, and a lethal combination ended both his career and his life within four years.

It happened on June 17, 1989. According to the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office report, John Matuszak died from an acute propoxyphene intoxication, caused by an accidental overdose of Darvocet, a prescribed opiate painkiller.

The report also noted that the actor suffered from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (an abnormally enlarged heart), as well as bronchopneumonia, both of which directly contributed to his death.

Yet he also had struggles with addiction to alcohol, cocaine, and prescription drugs used by his raging alter-ego “The Tooz.” The LA Times reports he had been in rehab twice in the years before his death. “I don’t know how many times I’ve seen The Tooz walk into a bar, grab his shirt with both hands, rip it open to the waist and growl like a lion at the top of his lungs,” wrote his friend and teammate Ken Stabler.

'Down the Drain', his last movie, was released a year after his death, but it didn't make much of an impact in theaters.

What will remain in memory, though, is Sloth, an enormous and intimidating yet adorable monster beloved by millions of children. Rest in peace, friend!

Photo: Warner Bros

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