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Born Jane Sterling Adriance on 3 April 1921 in New York, New York, USA, One of Hollywood's more talented and watchable stars on screen was sullen, stick-thin 50s actress Jan Sterling who didn't quite reach the top echelon of stardom but certainly ensured audiences of a real good time with her sexy pout and flashy ways in soaps, film noir and saucy comedy. Jan was born Jane Sterling Adriance in Manhattan in 1921 to a well-to-do family. Her mother remarried when Jan was a youngster and the family relocated to Europe where Jan was schooled by private tutors in London and Paris. At 15, the teenager, who by this time possessed a strong British accent, was enrolled in Fay Compton's dramatic school in London. A strong-minded young lady with a heartfelt passion for acting, she returned to Manhattan to conquer Broadway and by the age of 17 had found her first ingénue role in "Bachelor Born," playing (naturally) a young British lady. Over the next 11 years, she dominated Broadway as proper British ladies while billing herself as Jane Adrian. One of her highlights was working with the legendary Ruth Gordon in 1942 in Ruth's first play entitled "Over 21." As Billie Dawn in the Chicago company of "Born Yesterday," Jan bowled over the critics and seemed almost a shoo-in to do the 1950 film version but she lost out in the end to Judy Holliday. The ash-blonde broke quickly into films supporting Oscar-winning Jane Wyman in Johnny Belinda 1948 in a key, emotional role. Jan appeared in two of John's movies, Picture from The High And The Mighty 1954, Jan passed away on 26 March 2004 in Woodland Hills, California, USA.
Born Robert Van Orden on 6 March 1931 in Los Angeles, California, USA Actor John Smith may best be remembered for starring in the television westerns Cimarron City 1958-60 and Laramie 1959-63, but he also played supporting roles in numerous feature films. He began his career singing with the Bob Mitchell Choir Boys. The musical group appeared in two Bing Crosby efforts Going My Way 1944 and The Bells of St. Mary's 1946. While one might think a distinguished-sounding name such as Robert Van Orden has as star quality all its own, the actor himself didn't agree and partially as a jest decided to change his name to the more generic John Smith. Accompanied by agent Henry Willson (the man who provided Tab Hunter and Rock Hudson with their stage names), Van Orden went before a sceptical judge. When asked why he would adopt such a plain-jane name, Van Orden claimed that he would be the only actor in Hollywood with that name. Thus far, he has been right. As John Smith, his film credits include The High and the Mighty 1954, The Kettles on Old Mac Donald's Farm 1957, Circus World 1964 and Justin Morgan Had a Horse (1981). Picture from Circus World 1964 English title The Magnificent Showman, Smith passed away on 25 January 1995 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
Gordon Jones born on 5 April 1911 in Alden, Iowa, USA Jones played heroes, villains, Jones came to movies in his early twenties, not out of any aspirations as an actor but on the basis of his good looks and athletic build. The brawny Iowa-born Jones was well known as a top student athlete and star football guard ("Bull" Jones) at U.C.L.A., and had also played a few seasons of professional football. Jones started out playing small roles in Wesley Ruggles' and Ernest B. Schoedsack's The Monkey's Paw and Sidney Lanfield's Red Salute, and by 1937, he had moved on to a contract at RKO. His biggest screen role in terms of billing came in 1940, in the Universal serial The Green Hornet, where he portrayed publisher Britt Reid, the alter ego of the masked hero of the title; Jones also played the Hornet, but when he was in that guise, he was re-dubbed with the voice of the era's more familiar radio Green Hornet, Al Hodge. Due to the outbreak of the Second World War. The actor held a reserve commission in the army and was called into the service but when he returned his career never suffered like other character actors. One of his key roles during 1942 was as Alabama Smith, John Carroll's slightly dim-witted but good-natured sidekick, in Flying Tigers 1943, that was one of the most popular action films of the war. This picture began Jones' 20-year onscreen association with John Wayne, who was also (perhaps not coincidentally) a former football player from U.C.L.A. Jones' association with Abbott and Costello began in The Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap 1947 with the role of the film's heavy, Jake Frame. Jones appeared in three more movies with Wayne, his last portraying Douglas, the bureaucrat antagonist to Wayne's G.W. McLintock in the Western comedy McLintock, in the spring of 1963. Jones succumbed to a heart attack on June 20, 1963, five months before the release of that movie. He is remembered, however, by millions of Abbott and Costello and John Wayne fans. Picture from Flying Tigers 1943.
Born Carl Dean Switzer on 7th August 1927 in Paris, Illinois, USA. Juvenile performer Carl Switzer and his brother, Harold, began singing at local functions in their Illinois hometown. While visiting an aunt in California, the Switzer boys accompanied their mother to Hal Roach Studios, then proceeded to warble a hillbilly ditty in the Roach cafeteria. This performance won them both contracts at Roach, though only Carl achieved any sort of stardom. Nicknamed "Alfalfa," Carl became a popular member of the Our Gang kids, his performances distinguished by his cow-licked hair, vacuous grin, and off-key singing. Few who have seen The Our Gang Follies of 1938 can ever forget the sight of Alfalfa being pelted with tomatoes as he bravely vocalizes the immortal aria "I'm the Bar-ber of Sevilllllle!" The boy remained with Our Gang when Roach sold the property to MGM in 1938; his last Gang short was 1940's Kiddie Kure. Switzer found it hard to get film roles after his Our Gang tenure, especially when he began to mature. By the early '50s, his movie appearances had dwindled to bits. Switzer's handful of worthwhile adult film roles include a 100-year-old Indian in director William Wellman's Track of the Cat (1954); he was also a semi-regular on Roy Rogers' TV series. For all his problems throughout most of the 1950s, Switzer did have notable success as an adult: as a highly-regarded hunting guide, whose regular clientele included Roy Rogers and James Stewart. He appeared in two movies with Wayne. Switzer died from a gunshot wound on 21 January 1959 in Mission Hills, California, USA. by an acquaintance in an argument over $50 which Switzer felt the acquaintance owed him. Picture from Island In The Sky 1953.
Comic actor George Chandler born on 30 June 1898 in Waukegan, Illinois, USA entered the University of Illinois after World War I service, paying for his education by playing in an orchestra. He continued moonlighting in the entertainment world in the early 1920s, working as an insurance salesman by day and performing at night. By the end of the decade he was a seasoned vaudevillian, touring with a one-man-band act called "George Chandler, the Musical Nut." He began making films in 1927, appearing almost exclusively in comedies; perhaps his best-known appearance of the early 1930s was as W.C.Fields' prodigal son Chester in the 1932 2-reeler The Fatal Glass of Beer. Chandler became something of a good-luck charm for director William Wellman, who cast the actor in comedy bits in many of his films; Wellman reserved a juicy supporting role for Chandler as Ginger Rogers' no-good husband in Roxie Hart 1942. In all, Chandler made some 330 movie appearances. In the early 1950s, Chandler served two years as president of the Screen Actors Guild, ruffling the hair of many prestigious stars and producers with his strongly held political views. From 1958 through 1959, George Chandler was featured as Uncle Petrie on the Lassie TV series, and in 1961 he starred in a CBS sitcom that he'd helped develop, Ichabod and Me. George appeared in six movies with John Wayne, Picture from Island In The Sky 1953. George passed away on 10 June 1985 in Panorama City, California, USA.
Born Eugene Barton Evans on 11 July 1922, Holbrook, Arizona, USA, Gene Evans was born in Holbrook, Arizona, on July 11, 1922, and was raised in Colton, California. He served in the army during World War II as a combat engineer, and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for bravery in action. He began his acting career there, performing an a theatrical troupe of GIs in Europe. After the war he went to Hollywood, where he made his film debut in 1947's "Under Colorado Skies 1947. The rugged, red-headed character actor was a familiar face in such westerns as Cattle Queen of Montana 1954, The War Wagon 1967, Support Your Local Sheriff! 1969, The Ballad of Cable Hogue 1970 and Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid 1973. He also starred in the war films The Steel Helmet 1951 and Fixed Bayonets! 1951 and co-starred with future first lady Nancy Davis (before she became Nancy Reagan) in Donovan's Brain 1953. His other major films include Park Row 1952, Behemoth, the Sea Monster 1959 Operation Petticoat 1959 and Walking Tall 1973. He became well known in the 1950s on television, playing the father in "My Friend Flicka" 1956. He remained active in films and television through the 1980s. Evans subsequently retired to a farm near Jackson, Tennessee. He was a popular guest at the Memphis Film Festival for the past decade, Picture from The War Wagon 1967, Gene passed away on 1 April 1998 in Jackson, Tennessee, USA.
Born Olin Howland on 10 February 1886 in Denver, Colorado, USA, The younger brother of actress Jobyna Howland, Olin Howland established himself on Broadway in musical comedy. The actor made his film debut in 1918, but didn't really launch his Hollywood career until the talkie era. Generally cast as rustic characters, Howland could be sly or slow-witted, depending on the demands of the role. He showed up in scores of Warner Bros. films in the 1930s and 1940s, most amusingly as the remonstrative Dr. Croker (sic) in The Case of the Lucky Legs 1934. A favorite of producer David O. Selznick, Howland played the laconic baggage man in Nothing Sacred 1937, the grim, hickory-stick wielding schoolmaster in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer 1938 and an expansive Yankee businessman in Gone with the Wind 1939. During the 1940s, he could often as not be found at Republic, appearing in that studio's westerns and hillbilly musicals. One of his best screen assignments of the 1950s was the old derelict who kept shouting "Make me sergeant in charge of booze!" in the classic sci-fier Them 1954. Howland made several TV guest appearances in the 1950s, and played the recurring role of Swifty on the weekly Circus Boy 1956. In the latter stages of his career, Olin Howland billed himself as Olin Howlin; he made his final appearance in 1958, as the first victim of The Blob. Olin appeared in four movies with Wayne, Picture from Sheperd Of The Hills 1941, Olin passed away on 20 September 1959 in Hollywood, California, USA.
Born on 25 February 1929 in Royal Oak, Michigan, USA, An American handsome leading actor, Christopher George was born to Greek imigrants in 1930. Christopher George in his early age, joined the Marines with his brother Nick and when Christopher returned he decided to be an actor even though his parents hoped he would become a priest. Christopher George's first break was protraying Sergeant Sam Troy in television's "The Rat Patrol" which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. Christopher George first screen role was in Howard Hawke's 1966 film "El Dorado" opposite John Wayne and then in William Malone's science fiction thriller "Project X". In the early 70's, Christopher George took the lead in another televisions series entitled "The Immortal" and then spent two years working with John Wayne again in major western films "Chisum", "The Train Robbers" and "The Shootist". It wasn't until shortly after "Chisum" when Christopher George married Lynda Day George, a young television actress of "Mission Impossbile", they were married in 1970 and had two children. Christopher appeared in five movies with John, Picture from El Dorado 1966, Christopher passed away on 28 November 1983 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
Born Mickey Simpson on 3 December 1913 in Rochester, New York, USA, Well-muscled former 1935 New York City heavyweight boxing champ Mickey Simpson was typically cast as a villain in numerous low-budget actioners, adventures, and Westerns of the '40s, '50s, and '60s. Before making his screen debut with a bit part in Stagecoach, Simpson had been Claudette Colbert's personal chauffeur. He served with the military during WWII and then returned to Hollywood to continue his busy onscreen career. Mickey appeared in eight movies with John, Picture from She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 1949, Mickey passed away on 23 September 1985 in Northridge, California, USA.
Born Noah Beery on 17 January 1882 in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, A respected character actor of the silent and early sound period, specializing in cruel villains. The son of a Kansas City policeman, he and his younger brother Wallace Beery both left home in their teens, each seeking a career as a performer. Noah made his stage debut at the age of 16 and worked steadily in the theatre until his early 30s. Following his brother into films, he quickly established himself as a competent player and a familiar heavy in all sorts of films, particularly westerns. He never achieved the great fame of his younger brother, but succeeded in carving a memorable niche for himself in the history of film. His son Noah Beery Jr. became equally familiar as a character actor, though usually in more genial roles. he appeared in three movies with Wayne, Picture from The Big Stampede 1932, Noah passed away on 1st April 1946 in Beverly Hills, California, USA.
Born on 4 October 1886 in Barcelona, Cataluña, Spain. Spanish character actor Luis Alberni His mother's maiden name was Malo, and father's surname Alberni. Luis attended the university of Madrid and majored in drama, it was around this time that he began to get involved in acting in Europe. While acting in a Shakespearean play, (Hamlet), the audience went hysterical and loved him. Due to the recognition he received it was then that he decided to become a comedian. In 1914 he decided to move to the United States to continue with his career in acting. His first wife, whose name is currently unknown, bore him two sons, Luis and Carlos. He then got a divorce and married his last wife, Wanda Kay Wilson, with whom he stayed until his last days. In the process no children had been conceived. Around the age of mid-seventies, Luis lived in a home for the elderly devoted to actors, most of whom were from the Screen Actors guild or Masquers club. Luis appeared in two of Wayne's early westerns, Picture from The Big Stampede 1932, Luis passed away on 23 December 1962 in North Hollywood, California.
Born on 8 March 1924 Dublin, Ireland, A veteran of Dublin's Abbey Theatre, Irish leading man Sean T. McClory resettled in America in 1949. McClory was signed by 20th Century-Fox, where he spent a couple of years in unstressed featured roles. He has been seen in several films directed by fellow Irishman John Ford, including The Quiet Man 1952, The Long Gray Line 1955 and Cheyenne Autumn 1964. McClory's talents have been displayed to best advantage on TV, where he usually projects a robust, roistering Behanesque image. In addition to his many TV guest spots, Sean McClory has played the regular roles of vigilante Jack McGivern on The Californians 1957-58, private investigator Pat McShane in Kate McShane 1975, and hotelier Miles Delaney in Bring 'Em Back Alive 1982.Sean appeared in two movies with John, Picture from Island In The Sky 1953, Sean passed away on 10 December 2003 Hollywood Hills, California, USA.
Born Clay O'Brien Cooper on May 6, 1961, and best known as the pint sized Hardy Fimps in the western coming of age film, The Cowboys 1972 Clay O'Brien became a favourite with John Wayne who appreciated a real cowboy when he met one. Remaining pint-sized for several years, Clay could be found in pleasant but typical Disneyesque fare throughout the 1970's before he left acting and returned to cowboying full time where his undisputed talent truly lies. Clay has the respect of cowboys everywhere, holding more Team Roping championships than anyone and is the holder of Seven World titles in Team Roping. Clay's rodeo achievements are impressive by any standard and this paragraph can not even begin to cover them. Standing a respectable 6 feet, Clay and his wife Beth have two daughters, Bailey and Quinn. Picture from Cahill United States Marshal 1973.
James Mitchum born on 8 May 1941 in Los Angeles, California, USA. James Mitchum is the oldest son of legendary actor Robert Mitchum, and the spitting image of his famous father. By inheriting his dad's sexy, sleepy eyes and taciturn good looks, it was obvious from the start that Jim would lean towards an acting career with so much going for him. The comparison helped him as well as hurt him. Jim got his first taste of film-making at the age of 8 with a tiny unbilled role in the sturdy western Colorado Territory 1949, but made his credited debut playing his father's much younger "brother" in Thunder Road 1958, which became a drive-in cult favourite. Jim's solo career would be composed of primarily westerns and war pictures, achieving a degree of stability but little distinction in the long run. Such films as Young Guns of Texas 1962, Ambush Bay 1966, Trackdown 1976, Blackout 1978 and Hollywood Cop. James only appeared in one movie with Wayne. Picture from In Harms Way 1965.
Jerry Gatlin was born on November 15, 1933 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. Beginning in the '60s, stunt man and supporting actor Jerry Gatlin often appeared in westerns. He is known for his stunt work on The Shawshank Redemption 1994, Glory 1989 and City Slickers 1991, He appeared in six westerns with John Wayne they were. The Sons Of Katie Elder 1965, Big Jake 1971, The Cowboys 1972, The Train Robbers 1973, Rooster Cogburn 1975, Picture from Cahill United States Marshal 1973.
Born on 23 October 1920 near Whitesboro, Texas, USA, A staple of Western-themed films and television series, veteran character actor Rayford Barnes began his onscreen career with John Wayne in Hondo, and in recent years appeared on television in "Walker, Texas Ranger" and ER. After beginning his career in New York training with Stella Adler and the Neighbourhood Playhouse, Barnes moved to San Francisco to open his own theatre, and later relocated to San Francisco, where he landed his role in Hondo. A veteran of WWII, Barnes made regular appearances on such TV series as Gunsmoke, The Virginian, and Little House on the Prairie while concurrently appearing in Westerns like The Wild Bunch and The Hunting Party. Rayford appeared in three movies with John, Picture from Cahill United States Marshal 1973. Rayford passed away on 11 November 2000 in Santa Monica, California, USA.
Birth name Benjamin Franklin McGrath was born 2nd February 1903 in Mound City, Missouri. A stuntman by trade, he had worked with the best of them before Wagon Train. Although Robert Horton did most of his own stunts, occasionally, Frank McGrath filled in. McGrath was a lot tougher than he looked. In the eight months previous to the filming of John Ford's, The Searchers, McGrath had been in a body cast due to a broken back. Immediately upon reporting to Ford, he performed three separate horse-fall and drag stunts. Frank appeared in seven movies with John, Frank passed away on 13 May 1967 in Hollywood, California, USA.
Terry Wilson born on 3rd September 1923 in Huntington Park, California, USA. He started as a stuntman and was no stranger to either Ward Bond or Frank McGrath. Long before Wagon Train, they had worked together in films, including John Ford's legendary, The Searchers. Wilson and McGrath as stuntmen, and Bond as supporting actor. So how did Wilson, a stuntman, get onscreen time in the Searchers? Ford used his stuntmen in a wedding dance sequence. Terry appeared in three movies with John, Picture from The War Wagon 1967, Terry passed away on 30 March 1999 in Canoga Park, California, USA.
John Doucette Born on 21 January 1921 in Brockton, Massachusetts, USA, Stocky, balding American character actor with a rich, deep voice, equally adept at Western bad guys and Shakespeare. He began his career in films in minor roles, primarily as gangland henchmen, and progressed to become widely familiar as a figure in a variety of dramas and occasional comedies. Although a stalwart and reliable supporting player, he was not of a type to essay leading roles in films, but remained a well-respected actor whose face, if not name, is familiar to a generation of film and television viewers. John appeared in four movies with Wayne, Picture from Big Jake 1971, John passed away on 16 August 1994 in Banning, California, USA.
Born Charles Halton on 16 March 1876 inWashington, District of Columbia, USA, A respected stage actor he trained at the New York Academy of Dramatic Arts - since the 1920s, birdlike Charles Halton's thinning hair, rimless glasses and officious manner were familiar to generations of moviegoers. Whether playing the neighborhood busybody, a stern government bureaucrat or weaselly attorney, you could count on Halton to try to drive the "immoral influences" out of the neighbourhood, foreclose on the orphanage, evict the poor widow and her children from their apartment, or any other number of dastardly deeds, all justified by "I'm sorry but that's my job." His 40-year film career ended with Friendly Persuasion 1956, after which he retired, Charles appeared in two movies with Wayne, Picture from 3 Godfathers 1948, Charles passed away on 16 April 1959 in Los Angeles, California, USA.