Reb Brown Dons Captain America Suit Again in July 4 Tribute

July 5, 2022 Victor Medina

Actor Reb Brown, who portrayed Captain America in two fan-favorite TV movies in the 1970s, celebrated the 4th of July like only he could – by posting a picture of himself on Facebook wearing the same costume he wore in the original films.

Brown starred as Steve Rogers in the 1979 film Captain America and its sequel, Captain America II: Death Too Soon, which aired later that same year, both on CBS. The films were the first time the Marvel character was portrayed on screen since a 1944 serial played in theaters. The films were released theatrically in foreign markets. Here’s the trailer for the first film.

“Happy Fourth of July,” Brown wrote in the Facebook post. “This was shot at a private signing this year! I can’t believe the outfit still fits!” It was reportedly the first time since the movies were filmed that Brown wore the costume. At the time he was cast in the films, Brown certainly had the right physique for the role. A football player at USC, his tall muscular frame made him perfect for numerous action roles, and even today, at 74, he still cuts an imposing frame. The pictures he posted make that clear.

The pictures were from a January signing with Captured Collectables, where four of his costumes from the films were on display, as well as a costume worn by Dick Purcell in the 1944 serial. The costume Brown wore in the film was notable because of the liberties it took from the original look for the character. As motorcycles were popular at the time, a motorcycle helmet was incorporated into the costume, and his shield was used as a sort of windshield on a motorcycle that he rode on.

After his Captain America films, Reb Brown went on to star in the classic action film Uncommon Valor with Gene Hackman, as well as the sci-fi cult classic Yor, the Hunter from the Future, both released in 1983. He also guest-starred in a number of television shows during that time, including Happy Days, Three’s Company, Kojack, Emergency, CHiPs, Miami Vice, and and The Rockford Files. He won critical acclaim for his role in the 1986 film Death of a Soldier. He still makes appearances at comic conventions around the country and is active on social media.