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Rory Calhoun

American actor (1922–1999)

Rory Calhoun

Calhoun in 1961

Born

Francis Timothy McCown


(1922-08-08)August 8, 1922

Los Angeles, California, U.S.

DiedApril 28, 1999(1999-04-28) (aged 76)

Burbank, California, U.S.

Other namesSmoke
OccupationActor
Years active1941–1993
Spouse(s)Lita Baron (1948–1970)
Sue Rhodes (1971–1979; 1982–1999)
Children5

Rory Calhoun (born Francis Timothy McCown, August 8, 1922 – April 28, 1999) was an American film and television person. He starred in numerous Westerns contain the 1950s and 1960s, and emerged in supporting roles in films specified as How to Marry a Millionaire (1953).

Life and career

1922–1943: Troubled specifically life

Francis Timothy McCown was born show Los Angeles, California, the son be worthwhile for Elizabeth Cuthbert and Floyd Conley McCown,[1] a professional gambler. He spent rulership early years in Santa Cruz, California.[2] He was of Irish ancestry.[2] Mine age 13, he stole a firearm, for which he was sent come to the California Youth Authority's Preston High school of Industry reformatory at Ione, Calif.. He escaped while in the grant-in-aid center (jail within the jail).[3]

He stay poised home at 17 to escape beatings from his stepfather and began hot-wiring cars.[2]

After robbing several jewelry stores, operate stole a car and drove outlet across state lines. This was a-one federal offense, so when he was recaptured, he was sentenced to several years in prison. He served top sentence at the United States Medicine roborant Center for Federal Prisoners in City, Missouri.[2] He remained there until proscribed was paroled shortly before his 21 birthday.[4]

Calhoun worked at a number observe odd jobs, including as a craftsman, logger in California's redwoods, hard-rock lecturer in Nevada, cowboy in Arizona, fisher, truck driver, crane operator, and timber firefighter.[5]

1944–1945: Early acting credits as Manage McCown

In January 1944, he met performer Alan Ladd while riding horseback spontaneous the Hollywood Hills. Impressed with Calhoun's physique, Ladd introduced him to top wife Sue Carol, who was deft talent agent. She arranged for him to have a screen test submit 20th Century Fox, and he was cast in uncredited roles for Something for the Boys (1944) and Sunday Dinner for a Soldier (1944).[6][7] Subside had a one-line role in uncomplicated Laurel and Hardy comedy, The Bullfighters (1945), credited under the name Free McCown.

He also appeared in Where Do We Go from Here? (1945), The Great John L. (1945) (as Gentleman Jim Corbett), and Nob Hill (1945).

"I liked the money get back to normal brought in," said Calhoun. "And Frantic felt it would be nice pause go back to forestry with dialect trig neat bank roll when these members belonging found me out. I never challenging any feeling I'd make good."[5]

1945–1949: Clash to Rory Calhoun and partnership awaken David O. Selznick

Shortly afterward, the Ladds hosted a party attended by Painter O. Selznick employee Henry Willson, modification agent who was known for suited for young actors. Willson signed McCown form a contract with Selznick's company Front rank and his name was soon at odds to Rory Calhoun.[8][3] According to Calhoun, Selznick told him his first honour should be "Rory... because you're neat Leo, Leos are lions and lions roar." Selznick suggested either Donahue, Calhoun, or Callahan as a surname, take precedence he picked Calhoun.[9] (In another accounting of the story, Selznick named him "Rory" because he helped put run through roaring fire blazes when a shielder and "Calhoun" because it sounded Irish.[6])

Calhoun was under contract with Selznick's company Vanguard, being used to dance screen tests and make public etiquette. His first public appearance in significance film capital was as Lana Turner's escort to the premiere of King Hitchcock's Spellbound (1945), a Selznick handiwork. The glamorous blonde and her comely companion attracted the paparazzi, and kodachromes appeared in newspapers and fan magazines.

In 1945, Calhoun returned to censure after punching a detective.[10]

Calhoun did weep appear in a film for unornamented year before being lent to grower Sol Lesser for The Red House (1947) with Edward G. Robinson.[11] Proceed was then loaned to Paramount's Pine-Thomassecond feature studio to play the rule in Adventure Island (1947) with match Selznick contractee Rhonda Fleming.

Calhoun was announced for a film called Jet Pilot with Fleming, Guy Madison, arena other Selznick contract players,[12] but attempt was not made. Instead, he was third lead in That Hagen Girl (1947) with Ronald Reagan and Shirley Temple.[13]

Sam Newfield, who used Calhoun fall Adventure Island, cast him again suspend Miraculous Journey (1948). For Monogram, Mock Madison and he were in Massacre River (1949). At Fox, Calhoun hollow a second lead in Sand (1949)

In February 1949, Selznick did neat as a pin deal with Warner Bros., lending them seven of his stars, including Calhoun; they took over half his motion pictures for the rest of his confer with Selznick.[14] He played the criminal in Return of the Frontiersman (1950) and was hero of Monogram's County Fair (1950).

1950–1954: 20th Century Rapscallion and stardom

In August 1950, Calhoun signlanguage a seven-year contract with 20th c Fox.[15] He had made no pictures for Selznick. "I didn't worry tightness it because it was like uncut long vacation with pay", he blunt later.[5]

During Calhoun's contract with 20th c Fox, he was in A Fine to Tomahawk (1950) and was in the second place male lead in I'd Climb nobleness Highest Mountain (1951) with Susan Hayward and Meet Me After the Show (1951) with Betty Grable.

He went to Ventura to star in span Western Rogue River (1951).

He was promoted to co-star for With on the rocks Song in My Heart (1952) touch Hayward and Way of a Gaucho (1952) with Gene Tierney, directed saturate Jacques Tourneur.

Calhoun was promoted give somebody no option but to star in the Westerns The Silver plate Whip (1953) with Dale Robertson enjoin Robert Wagner and Powder River (1953) with Corinne Calvet. He was spiky How to Marry a Millionaire (1953) as Betty Grable's love interest, at that time was back to second male leads in River of No Return (1954) as Marilyn Monroe's boyfriend, who loses her to Robert Mitchum. Both cinema were big hits. Calhoun then stay poised Fox.

1954–1956: Freelancing and Universal Studios

Calhoun starred in a Western, The Apologetic Tomahawk (1954). He went to Town for A Bullet Is Waiting (1954).

Calhoun went to Universal for which he made a Western, Four Armaments to the Border (1954). He stayed there to star in the melodic Ain't Misbehavin' (1955). Also in 1955, Calhoun and Julie Adams co-starred atmosphere the film The Looters.[16] He bolster co-starred with Jeff Chandler in The Spoilers (1955). While filming The Spoilers, Calhoun's conviction history became public while in the manner tha his mugshot appeared on the Can 1955 cover of Confidential magazine.[17] In the way that the news came out, he orthodox an offer to play The Warrior on Climax! and RKO asked him to be in The Treasure admit Pancho Villa (1955). Ultimately, the divulgence had no negative effect on Calhoun's career and only served to compact his "bad boy" image.[6]

In 1956, proscribed appeared on the TV show Zane Grey Theatre. At Universal, he was in Red Sundown (1956) and Raw Edge (1956). He wrote the recounting for the film Shotgun (1955) ended by Allied Artists and tried gain star in it, but Universal would not lend him. In late 1956, he arranged to pull out provide his contract with Universal and oral his fee was $75,000 per film.[18]

1957–1959: Producer and The Texan

As Bill Longley in The Texan

In 1957, Calhoun conversant Rorvic Productions, a production company, know his partner, Victor Orsatti.[18]

He helped bring out and starred in Flight to Hong Kong (1956), The Hired Gun (1957), Domino Kid (1957), and Apache Territory (1958).[7]

He made Utah Blaine (1957) go allout for Sam Katzman and The Big Caper (1957) for Pine-Thomas. For Kirk Douglas' company, he appeared in Ride Acknowledge for Revenge (1958), and he requited to Universal for The Saga unravel Hemp Brown (1958).

In 1958, split up the recommendation of studio boss Desi Arnaz, Calhoun co-produced and starred explain the television series The Texan, which aired on Monday evenings until 1960. He said in a 1959 piece that the only two good flicks he made were With a Vent in My Heart and How prospect Marry a Millionaire, with the ideology being "terrible".[19]

Calhoun produced and wrote screenplays throughout his career. The Texan could have filmed a third year, on the contrary Calhoun wanted to concentrate on films.[20] On March 26, 1959, he emerged as himself in the episode "Rory Calhoun, The Texan" on the sitcom December Bride, starring Spring Byington.

1960s

After The Texan ended, Calhoun starred pressure Thunder in Carolina (1960). He attended on TV shows such as Gunsmoke, Death Valley Days, and Bonanza.

Calhoun went to Spain for The Monster of Rhodes (1961) directed by Sergio Leone. (He was robbed during filming.[21]) He did The Treasure of Cards Cristo (1961) in Britain, then plain-spoken Marco Polo (1962) in Italy.

He returned to the U.S. to fine several films for producer A.C. Lyles, such as The Young and Decency Brave (1963), Young Fury (1965), opinion Apache Uprising (1965), as well gorilla other films such as Face call a halt the Rain (1963).

Calhoun was estimated for the lead of James Western in the 1965–1969 CBS series The Wild Wild West, but the producers were not impressed with his wall test and instead chose Robert Conrad.[22][23] He returned to Europe to generate Our Men in Bagdad (1966) cope with The Emerald of Artatama (1969).

Later career

Calhoun continued to appear in both television and film throughout the Seventies and 1980s, including Thunder in Carolina, Rawhide, Gilligan's Island, Hawaii Five-O, Alias Smith and Jones and Starsky folk tale Hutch. He also wrote the novels The Man From Padera (1979) beginning Cerrado (1980).

In 1982, Calhoun challenging a regular role on the bubbles opera Capitol, having been persuaded put up accept the role by his lineage after his regret over turning lower a part on CBS's Dallas.[24] Pacify stayed with the series until 1987.[25]

Calhoun became known to a new lifetime for several roles in cult motion pictures such as Night of the Lepus (1972), Motel Hell (1980), Angel (1984), and its sequel Avenging Angel (1985), as well as Hell Comes disregard Frogtown (1987).

His final role was that of grizzled family patriarch bid rancher Ernest Tucker in the lp Pure Country (1992).

Personal life

Calhoun was married three times, once to jurisdiction first wife and twice to potentate second wife. He had three progeny with first wife Lita Baron (m. 1948–1970), Cindy, Tami, and Lorri. While in the manner tha Baron sued Calhoun for divorce, she named Betty Grable as one in shape 79 women with whom he locked away adulterous relationships. Calhoun replied to cross charge: "Heck, she didn't even nourish half of them".[7] Calhoun settled out paternity suit by actress Vitina Marcus.[26] He had one daughter, Rory, pick up again second wife (m. 1971–1979; 1982–1999, fulfil death), journalist Sue Rhodes.[2]

Political views

Calhoun wiry Barry Goldwater in the 1964 Allied States presidential election.[27]

Death

Calhoun died on Apr 28, 1999, at Providence Saint Patriarch Medical Center in Burbank, California, frequent emphysema and diabetes. He was ageold 76.[28]

Legacy

For his contributions to the album and television industries, Calhoun was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Repute with two stars in 1960. Cap motion-picture star is located at 7007 Hollywood Boulevard, and his television knowhow is at 1752 Vine Street.[29][28]

In The Simpsons episode "Two Dozen and Give someone a tinkle Greyhounds", Calhoun is mentioned in prominence apparent non sequitur when some fur, and Bart and Lisa, are vocal by Monty Burns to resemble Rory Calhoun, so he cannot harm them. Speaking of the inclusion, writer Kid Weinstein advised this was because writers believed "Rory Calhoun" to be far-out "perfect name for a '50s heartthrob".[30]

Filmography

Television

  • Wagon Train (2 episodes), (1961) as Artie Matthewson, (1965 S8 E26) as Jarbo Pierce
  • Death Valley Days (2 episodes, 1963, as the Arizona Ranger Burt Mossman, who captures the notorious outlaw Saint Chacon, played by Michael Pate; 1966, as William A. Richardson a explorer entrepreneur of the future San Francisco, California) as William Richardson / Capt. Burt Mossman
  • The Texan (78 episodes, 1958–1960) as Bill Longley
  • Bonanza (Episode: "Thanks come up with Everything, Friend", 1964) as Tom Wilson
  • The Virginian (Episode: "A Father for Toby", 1964) as Jim Shea / Jim Hansen
  • Gunsmoke (1 episode, 1965) as Munro Stack
  • Rawhide (1 episode, 1965) as Carpenter Denner
  • I Spy (1 episode, 1966) rightfully Dimitri
  • Gilligan's Island (1 episode, 1967) brand Jonathan Kincaid
  • Custer (1 episode, 1967) introduction Zebediah Jackson
  • Lancer (1 episode, 1970) chimpanzee Buck Addison
  • The Doris Day Show (1 episode, 1972) as Matt Lawrence
  • Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law (1 episode, 1972) as Bwana Bill
  • Hec Ramsey (1 stage, 1973) as Jim Patton
  • Circle of Fear (1973, TV series )1 episode, DEATH'S HEAD as Larry
  • Police Story (1 sheet, 1973) as Pete Eastman
  • Petrocelli (1 period, 1974) as Edgar Richardson
  • Police Woman (1 episode, 1974) as Lou Gerard
  • Movin' On (1 episode, 1975) as J.C. Coombs
  • Starsky & Hutch (1 episode, 1977) orangutan Steve Hanson
  • Little Vic (1977, mini-series) chimp Lead
  • Fantasy Island (1 episode, 1978) chimp Mr. Watson
  • The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo (1 episode, 1981) as Mr. Hobbes
  • Hart to Hart (1 episode, 1982) laugh Jim Bailey
  • The Blue and the Gray (miniseries, 1982) as Gen. George Meade
  • Capitol (1982-1987) Judge Judson Tyler
  • Family Feud (2 episodes, 1985) as Himself
  • Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1 episode, 1988) as Jimmie Thurson
  • Tales from the Crypt (1 episode, 1993) as Spider (final appearance)

Producer

Writer

References

  1. ^"FamilyTreeDNA Discover Notable".
  2. ^ abcdeOliver, Myrna (April 29, 1999). "Rory Calhoun; Handsome Actor Starred in Decennium Westerns, TV Series". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  3. ^ abBawden, James; Miller, Ron (April 1, 2016). Conversations with Classic Film Stars: Interviews diverge Hollywood's Golden Era. University Press bring into play Kentucky. p. 43. ISBN .
  4. ^The Man Who Concocted Rock Hudson: The Pretty Boys playing field Dirty Deals of Henry Willson stop Robert Hofler, Carroll & Graf, 2005, p. 137 ISBN 0-7867-1607-X
  5. ^ abcHopper, Hedda (November 30, 1952). "Rory Roars On!". Chicago Daily Tribune. p. C10.
  6. ^ abcCalhoun, Rory (August 28, 1955). "My Dark Years". The Washington Post and Times-Herald. ProQuest 148706189.
  7. ^ abcVallance, Tom (May 3, 1999). "Obituary: Rory Calhoun". The Independent. London, UK.
  8. ^Willis, John; Monush, Barry (2001). Screen World 2000. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 355. ISBN .
  9. ^Oliver, Myrna (April 29, 1999). "Rory Calhoun; Attractive Actor Starred in 1950s Westerns, Goggle-box Series". LA Times. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  10. ^Dorsey, Helen (April 25, 1982). "Tempo: Black-sheep Rory Calhoun comes clean blackhead soap role". Chicago Tribune. p. n1.
  11. ^"Grand famous Temple to Co-Star for RKO – Will Share Leads in 'Bachelor tube Bobby-Sox' – Danny Kaye Film Birthright Today at Astor". The New Royalty Times. April 18, 1946. p. 22. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
  12. ^"Granger Listed for 2 Film Roles: Will Co-Star With Joan Evans and Have Lead in 'Earth and High Heaven' for Goldwyn". The New York Times. September 13, 1948. p. 17. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
  13. ^Hofler, Parliamentarian. (2009). The Man Who Invented Wobble Hudson. Starkville Press. pp. 141–142.
  14. ^"Selznick Stars To Do Movies for Warners". The New York Times. February 21, 1949. p. 18. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
  15. ^Brady, Clockmaker F. (August 17, 1950). "Boyer Gets Role in Drama at Fox – Will Play 65-Year-Old Doctor in Studio's 'Scarlet Pen' – Preminger Is Directing". The New York Times. p. 24. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
  16. ^Laura King Van Dusen, "Movie Making", Historic Tales from Restricted area County: Parked in the Past (Charleston, South Carolina: The History Press, 2013); ISBN 978-1-62619-161-7, pp. 182–183.
  17. ^Barbas, Samantha (September 4, 2018). Confidential Confidential: The Inside Yarn of Hollywood's Notorious Scandal Magazine. City Review Press. ISBN .
  18. ^ abHopper, Hedda (January 27, 1957). "Rory Calhoun: 'It's Boob tube For Me!'". Chicago Daily Tribune. ProQuest 180053179.
  19. ^Vernon, Scott (May 24, 1959). "Rory Calhoun Final Finds His Audience". Chicago Diurnal Tribune. p. sw25.
  20. ^Billy Hathorn, "Roy Bean, Place Houston, Bill Longley, Ranald Mackenzie, Bemuse Bill, Jr. and the Texas Rangers: Depictions of West Texans in Additional room Television, 1955 to 1967", West Texas Historical Review, Vol. 89 (2013), pp. 110–112
  21. ^"Rory Calhoun Robbed". The Washington Publish and Times-Herald. September 29, 1960. p. A21.
  22. ^Roman, James W. (2005). From Daytime say yes Primetime: The History of American Also pressurize Programs. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 37.
  23. ^"Shadoe Steele's Interview with Actor Robert Conrad". . April 25, 2007. Archived from rendering original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  24. ^"Rory Calhoun Interview bogus Hollywood Cult Movies".
  25. ^"Rory Calhoun: Obituary". Apr 29, 1999. Archived from the nifty on January 30, 2009. Retrieved Nov 30, 2007.
  26. ^"Wife Lists 79 Calhoun 'Affairs,' Seeks Divorce". The Fresno Bee. June 16, 1969.
  27. ^Critchlow, Donald T. (October 21, 2013). When Hollywood Was Right: Howsoever Movie Stars, Studio Moguls, and Large Business Remade American Politics. Cambridge Medical centre Press. ISBN .
  28. ^ abOliver, Myrna (April 29, 1999). "Los Angeles Times – Flavor Star Walk". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
  29. ^"Hollywood Walk of Reputation – Rory Calhoun". . Hollywood Body of Commerce. Archived from the latest on April 3, 2016. Retrieved Feb 1, 2018.
  30. ^Barstow, Anthony (December 23, 2020). "22 Simpsons Jokes Fans Never Unwritten, Explained By A Writer For Loftiness Show". Ranker. Retrieved April 5, 2021.

External links