American actor known for starring in sci-fi and Western films, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s, including the classic film "Tarantula."
John Agar is best known for his iconic roles alongside John Wayne in the classic Western films, Sands of Iwo Jima, Fort Apache, and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. He is also celebrated for his starring roles in a string of B movies, including Tarantula, The Mole People, and The Brain from Planet Arous, cementing his status as a master of the science fiction and horror genres.
Born on January 31, 1921, in Chicago, Illinois, Agar was the son of a meat packer, John George Agar, and Lillian Rogers. He was educated at the Harvard School for Boys in Chicago and Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest, Illinois. Agar's great aunt was Edna Gladney, a pioneering social worker.
In 1941, Agar joined the U.S. Navy Air Corps, where he received basic training in Texas. He later instructed in physical training at March Field in Riverside, California. However, due to an ear infection that affected his balance, he was medically discharged from the Navy in 1943. Agar then enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he served as a sergeant and physical training instructor until his discharge in 1946.
Agar met Shirley Temple, the iconic child star, in 1943, when he was asked to escort her to a Hollywood party. This chance encounter led to their marriage in 1945. Temple's boss, David O. Selznick, signed Agar to a five-year acting contract, which included acting lessons. Agar made his film debut as Temple's love interest in Fort Apache (1948), a John Ford Western.
Agar's marriage to Shirley Temple ended in divorce in 1950, which had a significant impact on his career. However, he continued to work extensively in television and film, eventually finding a niche in low-budget science fiction, Western, and horror movies.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, John Wayne gave Agar several supporting roles, helping to revitalize his career. Agar passed away on April 7, 2002, leaving behind a legacy as a prolific actor of the silver screen.
John Agar's contributions to the science fiction and Western genres have ensured his enduring popularity among film enthusiasts. His iconic roles continue to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers. Agar's legacy is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his ability to adapt to the changing landscape of Hollywood.
97 Years Old
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Iconic star of Hollywood's Golden Age, known for his distinctive drawl and stoic, rugged on-screen presence in classic Westerns and dramas.
