Rory Calhoun was born on August 8th, 1922

Rory Calhoun: The Dashing Cowboy of Hollywood's Golden Age

Rory Calhoun, born Francis Timothy McCown, was an American film and television actor who rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s with his rugged good looks and charming on-screen presence, earning him a permanent place in the hearts of Western fans. He is best known for his iconic roles in numerous Westerns, including Utah Blaine, The Hired Gun, and Apache Territory, solidifying his status as a bonafide Hollywood leading man.

Turbulent Early Life

Born on August 8, 1922, in Los Angeles, California, Calhoun's early life was marked by turmoil and rebellion. His parents, Elizabeth Cuthbert and Floyd Conley McCown, a professional gambler, instilled in him a sense of adventure and restlessness. However, his father's cruel streak led Calhoun to hit the road at 17, escaping the physical abuse he suffered at the hands of his stepfather.

Calhoun's early misadventures included hotwiring cars, robbing jewelry stores, and eventually, stealing a car and driving it across state lines, landing him in federal prison. He served three years at the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri, before being paroled at 21.

From Prison to Stardom

Upon his release, Calhoun worked a string of odd jobs, from mechanic to logger, cowboy, fisherman, truck driver, crane operator, and forest firefighter. It was during this period that he met actor Alan Ladd while horseback riding in the Hollywood Hills, who introduced him to his wife, talent agent Sue Carol. She arranged for Calhoun to have a screen test at 20th Century Fox, marking the beginning of his acting career.

Rise to Stardom

Calhoun's early credits include uncredited roles in Something for the Boys (1944) and Sunday Dinner for a Soldier (1944). He eventually landed a one-line role in the Laurel and Hardy comedy, The Bullfighters (1945), credited under the name Frank McCown. His breakthrough came when he starred alongside Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, and Lauren Bacall in the 1953 comedy How to Marry a Millionaire, cementing his status as a leading man.

Legacy and Impact

Rory Calhoun's legacy extends far beyond his impressive filmography. He was a true Hollywood original, with a rugged charm and authenticity that captivated audiences. His tumultuous early life and subsequent rise to fame serve as a testament to his resilience and determination. Calhoun's impact on popular culture can be seen in the many Westerns that followed in his footsteps, and his influence can still be felt in the world of entertainment today.

Personal Life and Trivia

• Calhoun was of Irish ancestry and stood at an impressive 6 feet 4 inches tall.
• He was married three times, including to actress Lita Baron, with whom he had three daughters.
• Calhoun was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed horseback riding, fishing, and hunting in his free time.

Rory Calhoun's remarkable journey from troubled youth to Hollywood star serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring appeal of the American West. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors, filmmakers, and fans alike.