LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Actor Barry Corbin is in Lubbock this weekend for Texas Tech University’s homecoming, where area leaders honored him with proclamations recognizing his acting career.
Corbin is known for playing Maurice Minnifield in “Northern Exposure,” Bob Davis in “Urban Cowboy,” and Coach Whitey in “One Tree Hill.”
Corbin was born in Lamesa and graduated from Lubbock’s Monterey High School. He studied theater arts at Texas Tech University and took a break from his studies to serve two years in the U.S. Marine Corps before returning to Tech.
He began his professional career as a Shakespearean actor in the 1960s, working on Broadway and in regional theater before moving to film and television.
Local leaders issue proclamations
Lamesa Mayor Hayden Davis, Lubbock Mayor Mark McBrayer and Lubbock’s state senator, Charles Perry, honored Corbin with proclamations.
Corbin called the recognition from his hometown the “ultimate compliment.”
“As ol’ Mac said in his song, you look back at Lubbock in your rearview mirror, but then you’re always drawn back in over here. Anywhere you’re born and raised, I guess. I was born about 60 miles south of here and got up here real quick. I had a great childhood and a great upbringing, and I took it with me to New York, California and tried to spread the Texas cheer all over,” Corbin said.
Corbin said he was surprised to see how the South Plains has changed in the last few years, but said it will always remain home to him.
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