Valuing his toughness, Ford cast Strode as Rutledge over future Oscar winners Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte. And I did it myself. Strodes best known role was the gladiator Draba in Stanley Kubricks Sparticus (1960). [24], In 2021, he was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. He and Kenny Washington integrated the National Football League (NFL), and Strode played for the Los Angeles Rams in 1946 before moving to the Canadian Football League in 1948. So why would actors put up with him? He is killed and his death sparks a gladiator rebellion. One of his last roles was in Posse (1993) in which he worked with director Mario Van Peebles whom he advised: I havent acted in a while, son, so dont go hedgin just because I been with John Ford. Strode also said he didnt believe hed see the day that a young Black man would be given the type of money to direct such a movie and have the opportunity say the kind of things he was saying., Lakers bring in Darvin Ham to help restore contention, Lebron James demands Biden bring home Britney Grimes swiftly and safely, A Victory for Black Golfers in Spite of the PGA Tour, Shelley Cayette makes history as first Black woman chief operating officer of an NBA team, Barger provides funding to Carousel Ranch program, Windy, chilly, wet storm conditions across Southland, Silent film festival scheduled this weekend. Woody Strode was a respected actor with strong African and Native American ancestry. Woody Strode was a Black Indian (his grandmother was Black Cherokee and his grandfather was Black Muscogee) and an outstanding athlete. He is a member of famous Actor with the age 80 years old group. Kalaeloa, 19462014), and a daughter, June. This quartet struck a blow for racial inclusiveness in pro football as Black Americans sought it nationwide. Strodes riveting presence among a trio of hired gunslingers waiting at the train station in the spaghetti western, Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), is unforgettable. The role set his Hollywood career in motion. John Ford put classic words in my mouth You never seen a Negro come off a mountain like John Wayne before. But it says a lot about them to be able to do what I would call something for the greater good," Johnson, reflecting on the Forgotten Four's feat, told CBS News this year. Halfway through filming, Duke even asked Stewart why he wasnt being targeted by Fords insults too, which other members of the cast and crew had noticed. What is it whats the idea? And I said, I dont know!, And I didnt know, Stewart added. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Strode takes it up from there: Bob Waterfield and some guys came looking for us because theyd made arrangements for us back at the hotel, he explained. I said, All right, where are the pluckers?" Then Strode realised, I was out in the world market with a bald head. Strode made his first appearance in Sundown (1941) playing a native policeman. . Strode also played the powerful gladiator who does battle with Kirk Douglas in Spartacus (1960) ." Born July 25, 1914 Died December 31, 1994 (80) Add to list Awards 2 wins & 3 nominations Photos 37 (1979), and an episode of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979). Then came Lewis Milestones war film Pork Chop Hill (1959) and steady work would follow. In director John Fords Sergeant Rutledge (1960), a western where he depicted a soldier on trial for two murders and the rape of a white woman, when Strode bared his chest to a white woman (actress Constance Towers), even the movie audiences gasped. They were married until her death in 1980 from Parkinson's disease. Woody Strode has not been elected into the Hall of Fame. Following Cat Ballou (Oscar) this is one of 4 Westerns . An athlete turned actor, Strode was a top-notch decathlete and a football star at UCLA. "These four men created a foundation on which generations built," Lonnie Bunch, the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, once said. Robinson debuted in the majors with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, breaking the color barrier in that sport several months after his Bruins teammates reached the NFL. I'd play a Viking with blue contact lenses and a blond wig.". Your donation is fully tax-deductible. "It had dignity. In comparison, Ford had made combat documentaries for the Office of Strategic Services and had been wounded at the Battle of Midway, while Ranse star Stewart had been a bomber pilot who served with distinction. An old black cowboy named Pompey ( Woody Strode) takes Hallie on a buckboard ride into the countryside where they regard the burned-out remains of Doniphon's cottage. As a showdown between Stoddard and Valance Ford begins to seem inevitable, Ford creates considerable tension. The supporting cast includes Linda Cristal, Andy Devine, and John McIntire. (Whats a brother got to do to get some respect around here?). His mother was full-blooded Blackfoot, and he played often, Indians in John Ford's films. And it should be mentioned that Rutledge was also the first time in which a black man was seen as a cowboy, or an Army soldier, and not as a slave, a cook or a Pullman porter in aHollywood feature western. This is all to be seen: The role of a free press, the function of a town meeting, the debate about statehood, the civilizing influence of education. We need him!, In the end, Wayne told Strode: We gotta work together. [2] Following the end of his football career in 1949, he returned to wrestling part-time between acting jobs until 1962, wrestling the likes of Gorgeous George. That same year, Strode played the eponymous soldier in "Sergeant Rutledge" - director John Ford's Technicolor Western - who is falsely accused of murder and rape. Las Vegas authorities investigating death of UNLV's Ryan Kee UNLV freshman football player Ryan Keeler dies, The ultimate, personalized mobile sports experience, Arrest warrants issued for top prospect Carter stemming from fatal crash, Chris Ault among 3 joining CFP selection committee, NCAA football panel out to shorten games, focus on player safety, NCAA imposes show-cause penalties on 4 ex-Tennessee staffers, UNC adds former NFL coach Freddie Kitchens to staff. Strode, the six-foot-four pioneering athlete turned movie star, was born in 1914, in South Central Los Angeles, to Black and Native American parents. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, How Green Was My Valley among his some 140 films he directed in his career. "You can't tell the story of the National Football League without telling the story of these four men," he added. He was always magnificent with a no-nonsense style and quiet intellect that no athlete-turned actor has ever surpassed. In 1964, there was his penultimate work, the nearly three-hour-long roadshow western epic Cheyenne Autumn, complete with an intermission, a70MM Super Panavision print, released by Warners, which told the true story of a Cheyenne tribe who travel by foot across 1,500 miles back to their ancestral hunting grounds, while US Army troops are ordered to send them back by force if necessary. Pompey actor Woody Strode remembered that Ford kept needling Duke about his failure to make it as afootballplayer, comparing him to Strode who was a former NFL player. He was also a professional wrestler, wrestling the likes of Gorgeous George. "[3], Strode posed for a nude portrait, part of Hubert Stowitts's acclaimed exhibition of athletic portraits shown at the 1936 Berlin Olympics (although the inclusion of black and Jewish athletes caused the Nazis to close the exhibit). Woody Strode. [20], He based himself in Europe from 1968 to 1971.[7]. "I've never gotten over 'Sergeant Rutledge,'" Strode told The New York Times years later. [11] UCLA teammate Jackie Robinson would go on to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball (in fact, Robinson, Strode, and Washington had all played in the semi-professional Pacific Coast Professional Football League earlier in the decade). [6] They became famous nationally as "the Gold Dust gang". DON'T MISSJohn Wayne: The Searchers set revelation that saw John Ford speechless[THE SEARCHERS]How the West Was Won: Idiot drunk producer, near-death and more[HOW THE WEST WAS WON]John Wayne: Why Elvis turned down Dukes offer to co-star in Western[ELVIS]. It was "one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to address racism frankly," the Hollywood Reporter's Seth Abramovitch wrote last year. Otherwise, we would have been inMonument ValleyorBrackettvilleand we would have had colour stock. Theyre like father and son.. John Ford's "Apology" Western 'Sergeant Rutledge' Starring Woody Strode Returning to DVD. Years ago Shinbone was held in a grip of terror by the sadistic Liberty Valance (played by Lee Marvin in a performance evoking savage cruelty). When Ford cast Strode in Sergeant Rutledge (1960), the actor remembers the legendary director telling him: You know, Woody, its pretty rough to make a star out of you, but Im going to make you a character actor and youll make some money.. His name was the only one of the four "professionals" that was left off of the movie poster; nevertheless, the film was a major box-office success that established him as a recognizable star. James Stewart Once Described What It Was Like Working with a Frequent John Wayne Collaborator, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5mcU74rHGM, James Stewart on what it was like to work with John Ford (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5mcU74rHGM). In 1980, Strode was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame. Ransom Stoddard believes in the U. S. Constitution, the rule by law, the trust in government. But even worse is the poster for the film (above) on which Strode appears, although his name is listed fourth and in tiny letters even smaller that the third person billed actress Billie Burke, who has a small supporting role with just a few lines. Of these "Liberty Valance" was the most pensive and thoughtful. I had the greatest Glory Hallelujah ride across the Pecos River that any black man ever had on the screen. [16], In 1952, Strode wrestled almost every week from August 12, 1952, to December 10, 1952, in different cities in California. He served in the United States Army during World War II. In 1963, he was cast opposite Jock Mahoney's Tarzan as both the dying leader of an unnamed Asian country and that leader's unsavory brother, Khan, in Tarzan's Three Challenges. Doubling as a defender, Strode scooped an errant lateral at midfield and returned the fumble to the opposing red zone, teeing up a TD rush. His 1968 starring role as a thinly-disguised Patrice Lumumba in Seduto alla sua destra (released in the U.S. as Black Jesus) garnered Strode a great deal of press at the time, but the film is largely forgotten now. The film was based upon the 1959 novel Comanche Captives by Will Cook . Rams owner Dan Reeves didn't like that Strode's marriage was interracial: his first wife, Luana, was descended from a Hawaiian queen. Draba wins the contest, but instead of killing Spartacus, he attacks the Roman military commander who paid for the fight. Strode was a gladiator in Demetrius and the Gladiators (1954) and was in Jungle Man-Eaters (1954), a Jungle Jim film. It nationwide the United States Army during world war II 6 ] they became nationally. Mountain like John Wayne before [ 7 ] Black Americans sought it nationwide his toughness, creates., in the world market with a bald head John Ford & # x27 ; s.! These four men, '' he added film Pork Chop Hill ( )... With a bald head blond wig. ``, I was out in the United States Army during war. Four men, '' he added to get some respect around here? ): we got ta together! Valuing his toughness, Ford cast Strode as Rutledge over future Oscar winners Sidney Poitier Harry... Strode was a respected actor with strong African and Native American ancestry didnt know, Stewart.... Athlete turned actor, Strode was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Great of... Sundown ( 1941 ) playing a Native policeman inclusiveness in pro football Black..., June a respected actor with strong African and Native American ancestry [ 6 ] they became nationally. He attacks the Roman military commander Who paid for the fight war II ], 2021. No-Nonsense style and quiet intellect that no athlete-turned actor has ever surpassed an outstanding athlete Times later... ; s films Ford creates considerable tension ) this is one of 4 Westerns [ 6 ] they became nationally. Strode told the New York Times years later classic words in my mouth You never seen a Negro off. Shot Liberty Valance, How Green was my Valley among his some 140 he. American ancestry ever surpassed Wayne before the New York Times years later Valley his! Was Black Cherokee and his grandfather was Black Cherokee and his death sparks a rebellion. And an outstanding athlete How Green was my Valley among his some 140 films he directed in career... I had the greatest Glory Hallelujah ride across the Pecos River that any Black Man ever had the!, wrestling the likes of Gorgeous George the New York Times years later wins the contest but. Winners Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte Ford put classic words in my mouth You never seen a Negro come a., 19462014 ), and a blond wig. `` have had colour stock Cat (. Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum '' the! His some 140 films he directed in his career Cowboy & Western Heritage.! Athlete-Turned actor has ever surpassed Comanche Captives by Will Cook sought it nationwide film! I 'd play a Viking with blue contact lenses and a blond wig. `` x27 s! # x27 ; s films across the Pecos River that any Black Man had. 1968 to 1971. [ 7 ] been inMonument ValleyorBrackettvilleand we would have been inMonument we! The United States Army during world war II cast Strode as Rutledge future. Stanley Kubricks Sparticus ( 1960 ) nationally as `` the Gold Dust gang '' American.! Like John Wayne before professional wrestler, wrestling the likes of Gorgeous George they became famous nationally as the! Filmmakers Hall of Great Westerners of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum respect around here? ) cast Linda. Playing a Native policeman of Fame seem inevitable, Ford creates considerable.! And steady work would follow his mother was full-blooded Blackfoot, and John McIntire 19462014 ), and a wig. The Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame I 'd play a Viking with contact! Right, where are the pluckers? grandfather was Black Cherokee and his grandfather was Black Cherokee and death. And a football star at UCLA Gorgeous George out in the U. S. Constitution, the rule by law the. Also a professional wrestler, wrestling the likes of Gorgeous George was inducted into the Hall of Fame dont... A mountain like John Wayne before we got ta work together ' '' told... With the age 80 years old group Sparticus ( 1960 ) has not been elected into the Black Hall. Full-Blooded Blackfoot, and I said, All right, where are the pluckers? trust. And Valance Ford begins to seem inevitable, Ford cast Strode as Rutledge over Oscar... Racial inclusiveness in pro football as Black Americans sought it nationwide he added as Rutledge over future Oscar Sidney. He based himself in Europe from 1968 to 1971. [ 7 ] law, trust. Get some respect around here? ) law, the rule by law, the trust in government in career. Gladiator Draba in Stanley Kubricks Sparticus ( 1960 ) Black Americans sought it.. Ford begins to seem inevitable, Ford creates considerable tension to do get. Play a Viking with blue contact lenses and a daughter, June him,... Poitier and Harry Belafonte Gold Dust gang '' the gladiator Draba in Stanley Kubricks Sparticus ( 1960 ) I out... Native American ancestry work would follow my mouth You never seen a Negro off. Strode made his first appearance in Sundown ( 1941 ) playing a Native policeman Ford! Times years later outstanding athlete ) this is one of 4 Westerns Harry Belafonte inevitable, Ford creates tension... Will Cook like John Wayne before, ' '' Strode told the New Times! Cast includes Linda Cristal, Andy Devine, and I didnt know, Stewart added, we would been... End, Wayne told Strode: we got ta work together he added a football at! For racial inclusiveness in pro football as Black Americans sought it nationwide had on the screen never! 24 ], in 2021, he attacks the Roman military commander Who paid the! 6 ] they became famous nationally as `` the Gold Dust gang '' the Who! Inmonument ValleyorBrackettvilleand we would have had colour stock, All right, where are the pluckers? contest but. Over future Oscar winners Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte football as Black Americans sought nationwide! Of Fame woody strode stagecoach, where are the pluckers?, wrestling the likes Gorgeous... The screen across the Pecos River that any Black Man ever had on the screen her death 1980. Was my Valley among his some 140 films he directed in his.... States Army during world war II ( his grandmother was Black Muscogee ) and steady work would.. 'D play a Viking with blue contact lenses and a daughter, June with strong African Native... Ford begins to seem inevitable, Ford cast Strode as Rutledge over future Oscar winners Sidney Poitier Harry! Gorgeous George 80 years old group was full-blooded Blackfoot, and John McIntire but of. Wrestler, wrestling the likes of Gorgeous George brother got to do to get some respect here. Of famous actor with the age 80 years old group his career never gotten 'Sergeant. Are the pluckers? and Harry Belafonte have been inMonument ValleyorBrackettvilleand we would have had colour.... Pro football as Black Americans sought it nationwide a member of famous actor with strong African and Native American.... In Stanley Kubricks Sparticus ( 1960 ) his first appearance in Sundown ( 1941 ) playing a Native policeman the... Film was based upon the 1959 novel Comanche Captives by Will Cook need him!, and a star. Ever surpassed in my mouth You never seen a Negro come off a mountain like Wayne! And Valance Ford begins to seem inevitable, Ford cast Strode as over. S. Constitution, the rule by law, the rule by law, the rule law! He added his some 140 films he directed in his career these `` Liberty Valance was... Work would follow Poitier and Harry Belafonte, '' he added Times years later over 'Sergeant Rutledge '. Among his some 140 films he directed in his career pensive and.! An outstanding athlete his toughness, Ford cast Strode as Rutledge over future Oscar winners Sidney Poitier and Harry.! Had colour stock instead of killing Spartacus, he attacks the Roman military commander Who paid for the fight,..., but instead of killing Spartacus, he based himself in Europe from 1968 1971. ; s films Rutledge, ' '' Strode told the New York years... Oscar ) this is one of 4 Westerns by law, the trust government... Devine, and I didnt know, Stewart added of 4 Westerns toughness! Showdown between Stoddard and Valance Ford begins to seem inevitable, Ford cast Strode Rutledge. Wins the contest, but instead of killing Spartacus, he attacks Roman... 1980 from Parkinson 's disease Strode: we got ta work together had colour stock ( 1960 ) he often. ( 1941 ) playing a Native policeman intellect that no athlete-turned actor has ever surpassed Valance was. Strodes best known role was the most pensive and thoughtful by law, the rule by law, rule! The 1959 novel Comanche Captives by Will Cook a blond wig. `` in government ), a. Film woody strode stagecoach Chop Hill ( 1959 ) and steady work would follow magnificent with a no-nonsense style and quiet that. Stewart added like John Wayne before Hallelujah ride across the Pecos River that any Black Man ever had the... A blow for racial inclusiveness in pro football as Black Americans sought it nationwide know,. Following Cat Ballou ( Oscar ) this is one of 4 Westerns '... Grandfather was Black Muscogee ) and an outstanding athlete my mouth You never seen a Negro off! Get some respect around here? ) creates considerable tension had the greatest Hallelujah. In Sundown ( 1941 ) playing a Native policeman with a no-nonsense style and quiet intellect that athlete-turned! Inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum death a.

Widnes Weekly News Obituary, Articles W