He is best known for memorable roles in several popular 1970s movies such as Blazing Saddles[1] and Paper Moon, as well as comedic cameos in Back to the Future, Part III (1990) and Honeymoon in Vegas.

While working as a firefighter for the city of Dallas,[2] Gilliam appeared in the role of "Floyd", the desk clerk, in the film Paper Moon.

Gilliam was so uncomfortable with his use of that slur that he apologized to Little, who had to remind him that it simply was a word in the script and that the racial insults were treated unambiguously negatively since he was playing a villain.

Gilliam was also embarrassed by being the main protagonist in the infamous campfire (eating baked beans and farting) scene.

[3] Gilliam also has had roles in movies such as Honeymoon in Vegas, Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, Farewell, My Lovely, Fletch, Gator, Telefon and The Terror Within II.