Actor. After a short stint as a forest ranger, this blond-haired, boyish looking Californian returned to his native Los Angeles where he studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse. It was there that he was discovered by a talent scout that led to him becoming one of America's most famous cowboy actors. In 1937, he played the title role in the boxing movie "Kid Galahad" and had the second lead in his first western "Land Beyond the Law." In 1940, he learned to fly in preparation for his role in "Flight Angels." With the threat of World War II looming, his new interest in flying led him to seek military pilot training in the U.S. Naval Reserves. In 1942, he was sent to the Pacific where he gained a reputation as a courageous and tenacious F6F Hellcat pilot. He flew on fifty-seven missions, shot down seven enemy planes and aided in the sinking of five ships. He was awarded four Distinguished Flying Crosses and two Air Medals. After the war, he returned to Hollywood where he struggled to reach the level of stardom he once held. He settled into playing roles in mostly low budget Westerns. In 1957, he played the role of the cowardly Lieutenant Roget in "Paths of Glory." Critics believed this role would give his career a big boost, but unfortunately he died of a heart attack shortly thereafter.
Actor. After a short stint as a forest ranger, this blond-haired, boyish looking Californian returned to his native Los Angeles where he studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse. It was there that he was discovered by a talent scout that led to him becoming one of America's most famous cowboy actors. In 1937, he played the title role in the boxing movie "Kid Galahad" and had the second lead in his first western "Land Beyond the Law." In 1940, he learned to fly in preparation for his role in "Flight Angels." With the threat of World War II looming, his new interest in flying led him to seek military pilot training in the U.S. Naval Reserves. In 1942, he was sent to the Pacific where he gained a reputation as a courageous and tenacious F6F Hellcat pilot. He flew on fifty-seven missions, shot down seven enemy planes and aided in the sinking of five ships. He was awarded four Distinguished Flying Crosses and two Air Medals. After the war, he returned to Hollywood where he struggled to reach the level of stardom he once held. He settled into playing roles in mostly low budget Westerns. In 1957, he played the role of the cowardly Lieutenant Roget in "Paths of Glory." Critics believed this role would give his career a big boost, but unfortunately he died of a heart attack shortly thereafter.
Bio by: Bigwoo
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