Billy Drago Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts

Billy Drago Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Billy Drago is an American character actor celebrated for his iconic villain roles in film and television.

Introduction

Billy Drago, born William Eugene Burrows Jr. on November 30, 1945, carved a distinctive niche in Hollywood as the go-to actor for sinister, unforgettable characters. His estimated net worth stood at about $1.5 million according to industry sources.  He was married to actress Silvana Gallardo from the mid-1980s until her passing; their relationship remains a meaningful chapter in his story. 
In this profile, we explore Billy Drago’s rise, his key financial details, his personal life, and the legacy his work left behind.

Quick Facts

A Small-Town Boy Meets Big-Screen Shadows

Drago’s story begins in Hugoton, Kansas, where he grew up in a rural setting with cultural roots he described as part Romani through his mother and Native American through his father.  Witnessing films in the local cinema sparked his early fascination with the screen.
After high school, he pursued journalism with the Associated Press, moved into radio hosting and did a stint as a stuntman in Dodge City, Kansas. He eventually attended the University of Kansas, then joined a touring theater company, before transitioning into film and television roles starting in the late 1970s.

Defining moments in Billy Drago’s journey include:

• Transition from journalism/radio to acting and stunt work.

• First screen appearances in TV and film around 1979-1980.

• Breakthrough villain role as Frank Nitti in The Untouchables (1987). 

• Recurring horror/supernatural roles including the character Barbas in the series Charmed.

The Core Pillars of Billy Drago’s Wealth

The core pillars of Billy Drago’s wealth include:

• Film & Television Acting Fees – With over 100 credits, many high-profile, his career as a character actor provided the foundation for his earnings. 

• Production/Associate Producer Credits – While acting remained primary, some lesser-known behind-the-camera credits added incremental value. 

• Residuals and Licensing – Given the longevity of his iconic roles (especially in genre film/television), licensing and residual streams likely contributed modestly.

Relationships & Family Life

In his personal life, Billy Drago maintained a long-standing marriage to fellow actor and coach Silvana Gallardo. They married on September 21 (some sources say 1985) and remained together until her passing on January 2, 2012. 
They had two sons, including actor Darren E. Burrows, known for his role in the television series Northern Exposure. 
Key insights into Billy Drago’s relationships and personal life:

• He used his stage name “Drago”—his grandmother’s maiden name—to avoid confusion in the entertainment business. 

• His marriage to Silvana Gallardo intertwined professional and personal life: she was an acting coach who collaborated with him.

• He emphasized privacy and let his work speak for him, rather than public personal branding.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Billy Drago led a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• A devotion to genre work—villains, horror, supernatural roles—demonstrating his commitment to craft rather than mainstream glamour.

• Selective living: While not known for ostentatious show-homes or car collections, his steady career allowed him stability and creative freedom.

• Mentorship and collaboration: Through his partnership with Silvana Gallardo and his own trajectory, he became part of the acting community mentoring younger talent.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

How his net worth is evaluated and what drove changes in it:

Together, these build to the estimated ~$1.5 million net worth reported at the time of his passing. The growth trajectory was steady but modest, reflecting his character actor niche rather than blockbuster stardom.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

In Hollywood, Drago earned the reputation of “that villain you remember” — a rare distinction. His angular features, gravelly voice, and commanding screen presence made him memorable in roles like Frank Nitti in The Untouchables and Barbas in Charmed. His influence is seen in how genre productions cast character actors: reliability, distinctiveness, and professionalism over star wattage.
While he did not pursue the spotlight of leading-man fame, his legacy is one of resilience, specialization and craft. Among fans of horror, westerns and supernatural television, Drago remains a touchstone figure.
He showed that a consistent body of work, even without headline salaries or massive brand deals, can leave an imprint.

Conclusion

Billy Drago’s journey—from newspaper copy desk and radio mic to menacing figure on screen—is remarkable in its specificity and consistency. With a birthdate of November 30 , 1945 (his birthday being November 30), and an estimated net worth of about $1.5 million, he succeeded on his own terms. His marriage to Silvana Gallardo and his role as a father to Darren E. Burrows form the personal dimension of that legacy. Beyond numbers, his lasting insight: mastery of an iconic niche matters. In an industry that prizes shiny leads, he proved the power of being unforgettable.