He is best known for his portrayal of Poncho in the science fiction film Predator and as Lieutenant Colonel Ironhorse in the television series War of the Worlds.

Chaves was born in Florida to a career United States Marine officer father who later worked for the Drug Enforcement Administration.

[2][3] Chaves studied acting at Occidental College before joining the U.S. Army in May 1970, serving a tour of duty in Vietnam as an infantryman in the 196th Infantry Brigade.

[2] Chaves once calculated that the volume of fan mail he received outnumbered the rest of the cast members by a four or five to one ratio.

[6] His most recent acting appearances were in the films Lost Warrior: Left Behind, Dark House and Beyond the Game.