The Bear is a 1984 biopic starring Gary Busey and Jon-Erik Hexum. The film was written by Michael Kane, directed by Richard C. Sarafian, and produced by James A. Hearn and Larry G. Spangler. Plot The Bear follows the life of Paul "Bear" Bryant (Busey), head coach of the University of Alabama football team, who died in 1983. Jon-Erik Hexum plays Pat Trammell in the film. Cast Gary Busey as Paul W. "Bear" Bryant Jon-Erik Hexum as Pat Trammell Scott Campbell as Dennis Goehring Robert Craighead as Jack Pardee Buddy Farmer as Herman Ball Charles Gabrielson as Steve Meilinger Ivan Green as Mr. Gallagher Steve Greenstein as Joe Namath Cary Guffey as Grandson Marc Tyson Cynthia Leake as Mary Harmon Bryant D'Urville Martin as Billy Michael McGrady as Gene Stallings Muriel Moore as Miss Vernon Owen E. Orr as Ermal Allen Michael Prokopuk as Bob Lockett Brett Rice as Don Hutson Damon Sarafian as Don Watson Tod Spangler as Bobby Keith Harry Dean Stanton as Coach Frank Thomas Carmen Thomas as Mae Martin Bryant Tyson William Wesley Neighbors, Jr. as Billy Neighbors Ned Luke as Football Player References External links 1984 films 1980s biographical drama films American sports drama films 1980s sports drama films American football films American biographical drama films Films scored by Bill Conti Films shot in California Films shot in Texas 1984 drama films Films directed by Richard C. Sarafian 1980s English-language films 1980s American films