Grew up in Bad Axe and St. Clair, Michigan. Was the original Marlboro
Man.
Prior to his "Marlboro Man" work, Thourlby's modeling career consisted
mostly of posing as the tough guy grabbing at a girl on the covers of
"True Confession" magazines.
Authored the best-selling book "Passport to Power".
Was befriended by Jim Thorpe who got him in films. Used to be
introduced by Thorpe as his "son, Buddy" which is the name he used in
his beginning film career.
Owned and ran a custom clothing store in Atlanta in the 1970s on
Peachtree Street downtown.