Movie Star and Writer Will Rogers
Cowboy Legend and Entertainer
Rogers was born in 1879 in the Cherokee Nation of Indian Territory. His parents were mixed-blood Cherokees and owned a ranch. Young Rogers grew up on the open range, riding and roping, but attended several schools and received an excellent education for the time. His given name was William Penn Adair.
It was in 1898 that Rogers went to Texas and worked for a time as a cowhand. Eventually, he returned home to work the family ranch. In 1902, he began traveling. He went to Argentina, where he worked as a gaucho. During his lifetime, he traversed the globe three times.
Will Rogers and the Wild West
Rogers joined Texas Jack’s Wild West show in South Africa, and toured the county being billed as “The Cherokee Kid.” He became a member of the Wirth Brothers Circus and toured Australia and New Zealand before returning to the United States in 1904.
He developed a riding and trick-roping act, thrilling people across the U.S. Rogers began incorporating political comments into his act and worked the vaudeville circuit for more than 10 years. With his southwestern drawl and quick wit, in addition to his already amazing roping act, he began to build quite a reputation. It was during this time that he began doing motion pictures.
Will Rogers and Hollywood
At one point in his career, Rogers was the highest paid star in Hollywood. He starred on Broadway and in 71 movies during the 1920s and 30s. In addition to his acting, he was an accomplished writer as well.
He wrote seven books, several thousand syndicated newspaper columns, 58 magazine articles and numerous other items. Rogers was also a highly sought after lecturer and radio commentator.
Rogers stayed current with the times and his witty commentary on politics and current events provided optimism for Americans during the dark times of the Great Depression. Rogers used his fame to raise money for victims of natural disasters and for other charitable causes.
Rogers developed a love of flying and it ultimately cost him his life. While on a flight to Asia in 1935, his plane crashed near Point Barrow, Alaska, killing Rogers and the other man on board.
His family ranch in Oklahoma and another near Santa Monica, California have been made into state parks. A monument to him was built in Claremore, Oklahoma.
Sources:
Lamar, Howard R, ed. The New Encyclopedia of the American West. New Haven and London, Yale University Press.
Will Rogers.org Retrieved on 6/2/09.
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