On April 28, 1999, Rory
Calhoun died in Burbank after being hospitalized with the advanced stages of emphysema and
diabetes. The actor, best known for his Western films, and television series The Texan,
was 76.
Rory Calhoun was discovered in 1943 while he was horseback riding in
the Hollywood Hills. At that time, he was still Francis Timothy Durgin--a tough, good
looking young man. Alan Ladd asked if he was an actor, and he spat, "Hell no!"
But Ladd, then a top actor, convinced him to go for a screen test.
Something for the Boys was the handsome actor's first film. He
also landed small roles in wartime films such as Dinner for a Soldier and The
Bullfighters. An early break came when he played boxer James Corbet in
The Great John
L.
With the encouragement of agent Henry Wilson, Francis Timothy Durgin
changed his name to Rory Calhoun. With a name that matched his rugged appearance, Rory's
career gained momentum. He betrayed Robert Mitchum and Marilyn Monroe in the rousing
Western adventure, River of No Return; and went on to star in many Westerns
including Way of the Gaucho, Four Guns to the Border, The Silver
Whip, and Yellow Tomahawk. Calhoun may be best known for his starring role
in the CBS television Western, The Texan. His role was that of Big Bill Longley, a quick
shooter who rode from town to town, helping those in need.
In Calhoun's later years, he starred in several B-Westerns. He also
found success as a screenwriter, producer, director, and rancher.
One of Rory's finest performances was in one of the best episodes of
Bonanza, which had him killed in the river where he had earlier saved Adam Cartwright from
drowning.
Rory will be remembered for his Western roles in film and television,
but he is also that modern day cowboy who rode into Hollywood to help those of us in need. |
