Born: June 13, 1918 – Died: April 8, 1996
Ben Johnson, a name synonymous with the rugged charm and authenticity of classic American cinema, was born on June 13, 1918, in Foraker, Shidler, Oklahoma, USA. His life began far from the glitz of Hollywood, with his roots firmly planted in the soil of rural America. His parents, particularly his mother Ollie Susan Johnson, shaped his early years. There is little mention of his father's occupation or any notable siblings, indicating a possibly humble family background.
Johnson's journey to stardom was as unconventional as it was fascinating. Initially a ranch hand and rodeo performer, his life took a dramatic turn in 1940 when Howard Hughes hired him to transport a load of horses to California. This opportunity was the gateway to a new world, leading him to work as a stunt man, horse wrangler, and double for Hollywood legends like John Wayne, Gary Cooper, and James Stewart.
Early Life and Career
Ben Johnson's early life in Oklahoma was marked by the simplicity and challenges of rural living, which later influenced his portrayals of plain-spoken, Southern characters.
Johnson's cinematic debut was followed by a series of uncredited roles, where he honed his craft in the shadows of the silver screen. His first significant breakthrough came under the discerning eye of director John Ford, who cast him in a pivotal role, marking the start of a successful collaboration.
His major success came with the role of Trooper Travis Tyree in "Rio Grande" (1950), a film that not only showcased his acting skills but also his adeptness as a horseman. This role set the stage for a series of successful Western films, cementing his place in Hollywood.
Johnson's career was not without accolades. He won an Oscar for his role in "The Last Picture Show" (1971), where he played Sam the Lion, a performance that remains a highlight of his career. His portrayal earned him critical acclaim and further established him as a versatile and powerful actor.
Off-screen, Johnson led a life as compelling as his film roles. He was married to Carol Elaine Jones from August 31, 1941, until her death in 1994. The couple had no children. Beyond his film career, Johnson had a passion for rodeo, evident from his return to the sport in 1953, where he won a world roping championship. This aspect of his life showcased his dedication and skill in traditional cowboy pursuits.
Johnson's legacy in Hollywood is marked by his authenticity and ability to bring genuineness to his roles. His transition from a rodeo performer to a celebrated actor is a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal. He is remembered not just for his roles in Westerns but also for being an emblem of a bygone era, embodying the spirit of the American West.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | The Evening Star | Arthur Cotton |
| 1996 | Ruby Jean and Joe (TV Movie) | Big Man |
| 1995 | Outlaws: The Legend of O.B. Taggart | Jack Parrish |
| 1995 | Bonanza: Under Attack (TV Movie) | Bronc Evans |
| 1994 | Angels in the Outfield | Hank Murphy |
| 1993 | Bonanza: The Return (TV Movie) | Bronc Evans |
| 1992 | Radio Flyer | Geronimo Bill |
| 1991 | My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys | Dad |
| 1991 | The Chase (TV Movie) | Laurienti |
| 1989 | Oklahoma Passage (TV Mini Series) | Host |
| 1989 | Back to Back | Eli Hix |
| 1989 | The Last Ride (Short) | Unknown |
| 1988 | Dark Before Dawn | The Sheriff |
| 1988 | Stranger on My Land (TV Movie) | Vern Whitman |
| 1987 | Cherry 2000 | Six Fingered Jake |
| 1986 | Let's Get Harry | Harry Burck Sr. |
| 1986 | Trespasses | August Klein |
| 1986 | Dream West (TV Mini Series) | Jim Bridger |
| 1985 | Wild Horses (TV Movie) | Bill Ward |
| 1984 | Red Dawn | Mr. Mason |
| 1984 | Champions | Burly Cocks |
| 1982 | The Shadow Riders (TV Movie) | Uncle 'Black Jack' Traven |
| 1982 | Tex | Cole Collins |
| 1982 | My Heart Belongs to Daddy | Unknown |
| 1981 | Soggy Bottom, U.S.A. | Isum Gorch |
| 1980 | Terror Train | Carne |
| 1980 | Ruckus | Sam Bellows |
| 1980 | The Hunter | Sheriff Strong |
| 1980 | Wild Times (TV Mini Series) | Doc Bogardus |
| 1979 | The Sacketts (TV Mini Series) | Cap Rountree |
| 1978 | The Swarm | Felix |
| 1977 | Grayeagle | John Colter |
| 1977 | The Greatest | Hollis |
| 1976 | The Town That Dreaded Sundown | Captain J.D. Morales |
| 1976 | The Savage Bees (TV Movie) | Sheriff Donald McKew |
| 1975 | Hustle | Marty Hollinger |
| 1975 | Breakheart Pass | Marshal Pearce |
| 1975 | Bite the Bullet | Mister |
| 1974 | Locusts (TV Movie) | Amos Fletcher |
| 1974 | The Sugarland Express | Captain Tanner |
| 1973 | Blood Sport (TV Movie) | Dwayne Birdsong |
| 1973 | Runaway! (TV Movie) | Holly Gibson |
| 1973 | Dillinger | Melvin Purvis |
| 1973 | Kid Blue | Sheriff 'Mean John' Simpson |
| 1973 | The Red Pony (TV Movie) | Jess Taylor |
| 1973 | The Train Robbers | Jesse |
| 1972 | The Getaway | Jack Beynon |
| 1972 | Junior Bonner | Buck Roan |
| 1972 | Corky | Boland |
| 1963–1971 | Gunsmoke (TV Series) | Hannon | Vern Morland | Ben Crown |
| 1971 | Something Big | Jesse Bookbinder |
| 1971 | The Last Picture Show | Sam the Lion |
| 1962–1971 | Bonanza (TV Series) | Kelly James | Sgt. Samuel Bellis | Deputy Sheriff Stan Mace |
| 1970 | Chisum | James Pepper |
| 1969 | The Undefeated | Short Grub |
| 1969 | The Wild Bunch | Tector Gorch |
| 1969 | The Magical World of Disney (TV Series) | Will Parker |
| 1963–1968 | The Virginian (TV Series) | Jed Cooper | Joe Hogan | Jim Brandt ... |
| 1968 | Hang 'Em High | Marshal Dave Bliss |
| 1967 | Will Penny | Alex - Flat Iron Ranch Foreman |
| 1966–1967 | The Monroes (TV Series) | Sleeve |
| 1966 | ABC Stage 67 (TV Series) | Sheriff Barbee |
| 1966 | The Rare Breed | Harter |
| 1966 | Branded (TV Series) | Bill Latigo |
| 1965 | Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre (TV Series) | Burt Wade |
| 1965 | Major Dundee | Sergeant Chillum |
| 1964 | Perry Mason (TV Series) | Kelly |
| 1964 | Cheyenne Autumn | Trooper Plumtree (uncredited) |
| 1962 | Stoney Burke (TV Series) | Rex Donally |
| 1960–1962 | Have Gun - Will Travel (TV Series) | John Bartlett | Sam Crabbe | John Anderson |
| 1961–1962 | Route 66 (TV Series) | Del McNab | Alley Golden |
| 1960–1961 | Laramie (TV Series) | Tarp | Jim - Driver | Billy Pardee |
| 1961 | Tomboy and the Champ | Uncle Jim |
| 1961 | One-Eyed Jacks | Bob Amory |
| 1960 | Ten Who Dared | George Bradley |
| 1959 | Border Patrol (TV Series) | Hank Colman |
| 1958 | Alfred Hitchcock Presents (TV Series) | Sheriff Jeff |
| 1958 | The Restless Gun (TV Series) | Sheriff Tim Malachy |
| 1958 | Navy Log (TV Series) | Border Patrol Officer |
| 1958 | The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (TV Series) | Tex Barton |
| 1958 | Fort Bowie | Capt. Thomas Thompson |
| 1957 | Slim Carter | Montana Burriss |
| 1957 | War Drums | Luke Fargo |
| 1956 | Cavalcade of America (TV Series) | Cal Bennett |
| 1956 | Rebel in Town | Frank Mason |
| 1955 | Oklahoma! | Wrangler (uncredited) |
| 1953 | Shane | Chris Calloway |
| 1952 | Wild Stallion | Dan Light |
| 1951 | Fort Defiance | Ben Shelby |
| 1950 | Rio Grande | Trooper Travis Tyree |
| 1950 | Wagon Master | Travis Blue |
| 1949 | Mighty Joe Young | Gregg |
| 1949 | She Wore a Yellow Ribbon | Sgt. Tyree |
| 1948 | 3 Godfathers | Posse Man #1 |
| 1948 | The Gallant Legion | Texas Ranger (uncredited) |
| 1947 | Wyoming | Cowhand (uncredited) |
| 1946 | Badman's Territory | Deputy Marshal (uncredited) |
| 1945 | The Naughty Nineties | Coach Driver (uncredited) |
| 1945 | Corpus Christi Bandits | 2nd Stagecoach Driver (uncredited) |
| 1944 | Nevada | Barfly (uncredited) |
| 1944 | Tall in the Saddle | Townsman (uncredited) |
| 1944 | The Pinto Bandit | Race Contestant (uncredited) |
| 1943 | Bordertown Gun Fighters | Messenger (uncredited) |
| 1943 | The Outlaw | Deputy (uncredited) |
| 1939 | The Fighting Gringo | Mexican Barfly (uncredited) |
General:
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