However, he continued to make appearances on television and made a number of commercials. His film career ended in the early 1960s, after he appeared in a string of poorly rated films. He began getting bit parts in films upon moving to California, usually as the strongman or weightlifter, as early as 1934. He had a full head of black hair, but shaved it to maintain an imposing and villainous appearance in his wrestling and acting work. Johnson weighed 181 kilograms (400 pounds) at his heaviest. Johnson was born in Kalmar län, Sweden, the son of Karl J. Tore Johansson, better known by the stage name Tor Johnson, was a Swedish professional wrestler and actor. Numerous films Johnson appeared in would be riffed by Mystery Science Theater 3000, his unique appearance making him instantly recognizable to the cast.

The comics supposedly follow Johnson as he becomes involved in various seedy adventures, although he is depicted as a slow-witted, white-eyed lummox based on Johnson's persona in Editor Wood's films. Johnson was featured extensively in the early work of cartoonist Drew Friedman.

Johnson was portrayed by wrestler George 'The Animal' Steele in Tim Burton's film Editor Wood (1994). He was buried at the Eternal Valley Memorial Park in Newhall, California.

In 1971, Johnson died from heart failure at the San Fernando Valley Hospital in San Fernando, California. During his career as an actor, Johnson befriended director Editor Wood, who directed him in a number of films, including Bride of the Monster and Plan 9 from Outer Space. (age 67) Kalmar, Kalmar Municipality, Sweden

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