Alan Autry was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on July 31, 1952, and grew up as a migrant farm worker in the fields of San Joaquin Valley in California. A star quarterback in high school, Autry won a college scholarship and was drafted by the Green Bay Packers. Quickly cut from the team, he made his way to Hollywood to be an actor, starring in films and television. He is best known for his role as Captain "Bubba" Skinner on the television series In the Heat of the Night. From 2000 to 2008, Autry served as mayor of Fresno, California, and afterward returned to film, acting and producing. He is the founder of CenCal Mentoring which serves at-risk children, teens and students in Central California by making a positive, measurable and lasting impact upon their lives.