Burly, beady-eyed character player of TV and film, known for his hefty portrayals of cops, soldiers, and patriarchal figures. Corbin gained fame as Maurice Minnifield--former astronaut turned entrepreneur and all-around bigshot--on the popular and cultish "Northern Exposure" (CBS, 1990-95). Combining Texan bravado and Howard Hughes ambition, Corbin made Maurice a larger-than-life figure whose outmoded world view was often critiqued. When not bellowing with indignation at some slight, he tried to speak softly and carry a big stick. He segued to portraying a New Orleans sherrif in the series version of the feature "The Big Easy" (USA Network, 1996-97).

After a two-year stint in the Marines, Corbin began performing in regional theater in his native Texas. He then moved to New York where he acted on and off-Broadway. In 1977, Corbin moved to L.A. and wrote radio plays for National Public Radio (NPR). His feature career took off when he was cast in three 1980 films: "Any Which Way You Can", "Stir Crazy" and "Urban Cowboy". Corbin continued to work regularly throughout the 1980s and 90s especially on TV. Among his many TV credits are the "The Thorn Birds" (1983), the miniseries "I Know My First Name is Steven" and "Lonesome Dove" (both 1989) and a recurring role on the short-lived and highly regarded "The Famous Teddy Z". Always credible as a outdooorsman, Corbin played the long-lost uncle of "Davy Crocket" (1988) who lived among the Indians for 20 years on "The Magical World of Disney". His feature credits include Clint Eastwood's "Honkytonk Man" (1982), "WarGames" (1983), "The Hot Spot" (1990), and "Career Opportunities" (1991).