According to Kanter, Jim was chagrined by his mixup. A recently posed question casts a shadow on the otherwise pristine legacy of. Ford proceeded to announce to the entire company that: One of the actors here doesnt like Uncle Remus. In the interview, Marvin relates an incident where Jimmy Stewart actively opposed the racist behavior of another actor on set. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Horror Safari (1982) as a Black American, years ago, I read that Jimmy was racist. Its why Stewart agreed to campaign strongly for Reagan in 1966, despite feeling the candidate was not conservative enough as he had remained a Democrat until 1962. By the late 1960s, he moved to Europe and became a regular in the Italian (Spaghetti) Western genre. Im so glad you found my article, and Im beyond happy to hear that you can enjoy Jimmys films once more. Yet it was this famous athleteturned-actor who, with the great running back Kenny Washington, overcame the segregation hurdle in professional football when they signed with the Los Angeles Rams in the National Football League in 1946. Michael Munns dangerous habit of mixing truth with exaggeration and fallacy calls his alleged interview with. His fellow Gold Dust Gang member Jackie Robinson would break the color barrier in Major League Baseball a year later in 1947. His last film was The Quick and the Dead, which starred Sharon Stone. Im so glad you searched for the facts and came across my article. Here's why. And according to the actor, Ford froze, then walked away. Jimmy Stewart was a remarkable man who loved all his fellowman. Con Jock Mahoney, Woody Strode, Tsu Kobayashi, Earl Cameron. That was one of the great days in my life and I can remember it very clearly, Strode told the Toronto Stars George Gamester in 1977. Lee Marvin was impressed by Jimmys impassioned response: I liked Jimmy before that incident, but after it, I liked him a whole lot more.. Hi Rosemary, Thanks for reading! Sharing hotel, meals, and a piano jam session on and off film with Duke Ellington. Scream (1985) Woody Strode, the square-jawed, muscular former UCLA athlete who became a character actor with supporting roles in films for nearly a half century, has . Strode died in his sleep at his home in Glendora, California of lung cancer on December 31, 1994. Then he asked Stewart to come over. After being cut by the Rams after just a season, Strode headed north to Canada, where he suited up for the Calgary Stampeders. Aka: Scipio the African He also did professional wrestling and reportedly tussled with the renowned Gorgeous George. Afterwards, Lee Marvin remembered seeing both. But Woody's own behaviors raise plenty of questions about his intentions, including his admission that he's "been playing with dead things since [he] was a toddler.". Actor: Spartacus. But Stewart, an Oscar winner known for such timeless hits as The Philadelphia Story, Vertigo and Mr. Weve dissected the fallacies behind the rumor that Jimmy Stewart was a racist. A footnote in the life of a great man. The Quick & The Dead (1995) God bless. Thanks so much for your kind words, and for reading! He is wearing cowboy. Released two years before To Kill a Mockingbird, Rutledge is one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to address racism frankly. And really, that says everything someone needs to know about Woody. Strode was born in Los Angeles on July 25, 1914, the son . Aka: Black Kingpin Woody eventually becomes a major player in the world ofPsych, but he's also clearly not part of the main friendship group for most of the series' run. He was interred with military honors at Riverside National Cemetery, east of his hometown.. Jungle Gents (1954) And I looked at Duke Wayne, and he was beaming like a cat that had just eaten the mouse And Duke came over, and said, Well, welcome to the club. Woody Strode: Hollywood Star - YouTube The Lion Hunters (1951) link]. They broke the NFLs modern colour barrier the year before, suiting up for the Los Angeles Rams. And I agree, it would be illogical to assume that Jimmy Stewart was racist based on his support of Nixon, Reagan, and US troops in Vietnam. Donald Bogle, Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies & Bucks (New York: Continuum, 1992); Internet Movie Data Base (IMDB) title search by key word; Woody Strode,; The Timeout Film Guide, edited by Tom Milne, Penguin Books, 3rd Edition, 1992. Seduto alla sua destra (1968) La mala ordina (1972) According to Strode, John Ford then called the whole cast and crew over, and twisted the comment into something Jimmy Stewart never said. Was Hal Williams ever contacted regarding the contriversy kanter mentioned? Woody Strode: A Pioneer In Pro Wrestling, Cinema & The NFL The answer is no. 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. ), Wrestling was next on his resume. > WrestleMania, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Hockey injury led to wrestling for Karl Von Stroheim. Hi James, thanks for commenting. No smog because few people could afford cars in those days. RELATED:10 Witty Buddy Comedies To Watch If You Love 'Psych'. For nearly two decades he remained a pio- neer against racism in the film and television industry. Munn claims that he and Laurence Olivier were great friends, and that Olivier nicknamed him Eminem decades before rapper Marshall Mathers adopted the moniker. Born in Los Angeles on July 28, 1914, with his mother a full-blooded Blackfoot, Woodrow Wilson Woolwine Strode grew into a solid 6-foot-4-1/2, 220-pound stud. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. Or taken out of the script altogether. Strode also played the powerful gladiator who does battle with Kirk Douglas in Spartacus (1960)." Played . When Strode tried to help him, Duke knocked his co-star away. All I heard was Ford saying that Stewart didnt like Negroes, and that made me mad at Stewart, and Stewart was just even more uncomfortable around me.. Strode praised Ford in a 1960 interview. Greg Oliver has been writing about pro wrestling since 1985, and is the author of wrestling books: The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Storytellers (with Steven Johnson), The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: Heroes & Icons (with Steven Johnson and Mike Mooneyham); The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels (with Steven Johnson); The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Tag Teams (also with Johnson); The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Canadians; SLAM! Key West (TV) (1973) Los tres desafos de Tarzn (1963) - IMDb A small donation would help us keep this available to all. Buruuba (1955) In 1962, he retired from pro wrestling to concentrate on his film career, which exploded after his role in John Fords Sergeant Rutledge, and then his first starring role in the Western The Professionalsthat starred Lee Marvin and Burt Lancaster in 1966. Aka: Jungle Warriors However Dewes book was published early in 1996 when Stewart was still alive. Woody Strode, the football player turned actor who had supporting roles in John Wayne films and costume period epics such as "Spartacus" and "The Ten Commandments," has died at age 80. best of friends ever since they were children, Psych 2: Lassie Come Home: 10 Easter Eggs You Totally Missed. Whether that labels him a racist or not is irrelevant. Strode played as an End with the Rams in 1946, playing in 10 games that season. Woody Strode Took on West in John Ford's 'Sergeant Rutledge' in 1960 Thanks again for reading! Id do that if I could. Its such a disheartening rumor, and Im so glad you did your own research and came across my article. Thats my take. He majored in history and education. To promote Brotherhood Week, Jimmy Stewart opened and closed a 3 minute trailer that played before feature films at theaters across the United States. The evidence proves that Jim was not racist. At one point in their conversations, Jim shared that his 1934 arrival in Los Angeles was marred only by the obvious mistreatment of the black community. In response, Ford said: Whats wrong with Uncle Remus? The director then called the crews attention and shouted: One of ourplayersdoesn't like Woody's costume. For his book, Dewey interviewed the producer of Jimmys 1971 television show, writer Hal Kanter. Jimmy Stewart was not racist. In a gold-yielding town under a gang's reign of terror, an unusual alliance is forming -- between the townspeople, gunmen, and circus performers.1969 Spaghet. The Pioneers is an on-going series looking at some of the earliest pioneers of professional wrestling as we know it, from the wrestlers to promoters to trainers who helped shape professional wrestling around the world. It was Ford who cast Strode in the lead role in Sergeant Rutledge. Donald Deweys 1997 biography of Jimmy Stewart, journalist James Bawden between 1971 and 1983, Thanks to the passionate insistence of director Otto Preminger. Genghis Khan (1965) Katerina is a List Writer here at Screen Rant with a background in literary criticism and creative writing. But when it came to shooting 1962s The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance with Duke and Jimmy Stewart on the Paramount lot, the director opted for black and white instead. Producer Julian Blaustein, who produced Jims 1950 film, Broken Arrow, also knew that Jimmy Stewart was not racist: I never knew Jimmy to do or say anything that was racist.. 1936 Strode posed for one of two paintings commissioned by Adolf Hitler for the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. The episode "Last Night Gus" isn't just a real highlight for Psych but for Woody's character and his bizarre humor, too. How many games did . Terrible rumors about Jimmy Stewarts beliefs have sprung from an interview that possibly never occurred. Its further worth noting that in his 1990 autobiography [ aff. In this, the last interview Strode ever gave, he expresses only respect for Jimmy Stewart, calling Jim one of the screens greatest actors.. That means everything, working with a man like that." Star Spangled Rhythm (1942) Regarding your claim that Jimmy expressed mildly anti-Semitic views: Ive never found any evidence to support this, either. Woody's whispered warning - "Don't pick up" - is easily one of the series' best line deliveries. The Man Who Made The Stars Shine Brighter: An Interview with Woody Strode. Strode, 32 when he signed, never got a chance to prove himself and was released after one season. I refer you back to the section in my article about The Jimmy Stewart Show for the facts behind the casting of Hal Williams on the show. I find a lot of this evidence unconvincing. Jim and Duke got to know each other during filming in Marquette County, Michigan, where the entire company stayed at the same hotel and shared meals. Hi Cheryl, thanks for reading! And when we lost, we cried like babies.. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Before becoming one of the first big, black movie stars thanks in large part to legendary director John Fords faith in him Woody Strode was a star on the gridiron. He wrestled for NWA Los Angeles and Stu Hart throughout the 1950s and even wrestled arguably the top draw in pro wrestling in the 1950s, Gorgeous George. Much in the same vein as Phil Dunphy ofModern Family failing to understand what "WTF" stands for, Woody apparently believes "TMI" means "Tell More Information." Actors Woody Strode and Lee Marvin, who also collaborated four years earlier in "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance," are seen chatting in Death Valley while filming director Richard Brooks . For Jims take on working with John Ford and the Uncle Remus incident, listen to his 1969 account below. Shawn and Gus have been the best of friends ever since they were children, and maybe even since they were infants. The two became friends, and Ford later gave Wayne his breakthrough role in Stagecoach, the film that launched Wayne to Hollywood stardom. We both gotta be professionals. Jan. 3, 1995 12 AM PT. As expertly portrayed by the comically gifted Kurt Fuller, Woody is a character who is always too much at all times. Thanks for commenting Rich! WOODY STRODE, ACTOR, IS DEAD - Buffalo News And late Hollywood legend James Stewart got to watch their dynamic up close. 1995 Taylor & Francis, Ltd. Aka: The Devils Backbone I was lucky enough this time to have John Ford as my director. The Black Stallion Returns (1983) Regarding your claim that the FBI agent character was written out of The Jimmy Stewart Show after Stewart objected to NBC: in my extensive research on the subject, Ive never found any evidence to support this. The Cotton Club (1984) Even Munns publisher, Jeromy Robson of JR Books, admits to having seen only a few of Munns interview reference materials, and that for the most part, he must trust Munns good memory for dialogue as the only proof that any of these alleged interviews occurred. I wanted to crawl into a mouse hole, Stewart recalled. What is it whats the idea? And I said, I dont know!, And I didnt know, Stewart added. Great Movies Collections TV/Streaming Interviews Movie Reviews Chaz's Journal Contributors Cast and Crew Woody Strode Find on IMDB. Woody Strode - actor - biography, photo, best movies and TV shows Working with quarterback Keith Spaith, he excelled as a receiver, and did double duty on the defensive side as an end as the Stamps compiled an unbeaten record. Now, I don't know if Mr Stewart has a prejudice against Negroes, but I just wanted you all to know about it., Stewart later said he wanted to crawl into a mouse hole after that and Wayne told him: Well, welcome to the club. Jimmy Stewart worked with several black actors and entertainers throughout his career, including Hal Williams, Woody Strode, Lillian Randolph, Jim hit it off particularly well with Duke Ellington during filming of 1959s. I read that Stewart was a racist a few weeks ago and fell for it hook line and sinker. Breakout (TV) (1970) Boot Hill | REMASTERED Full Comedy Movie - YouTube Thanks for reading Brice! I refer you back to my section on The Jimmy Stewart Show for the facts behind the casting of Hal Williams. Woody Strode (1914-1994) Androcoles and the Lion (1952) Stewart was never rude to mehe was never rude to anyone. The FBI agent character was written out of The Jimmy Stewart Show after Stewart objected to NBC. Woody Strode was 6-3 (190 cm) tall. Thanks for reading Brian! All the while, he continued to work in often uncredited roles in Hollywood films in minor roles, before landing the role of the King of Ethiopia in the 1956 film The Ten Commandments featuring Charleton Heston. He was always magnificent with a no-nonsense style and quiet intellect that no athlete-turned actor has ever surpassed. In its pages African American studies intellectuals, community activists, and national and international political leaders come to grips with basic issues confronting black America and Africa. As James Stewart explained it, Woody Strode, the actor who was playing Waynes characters best friend, was part of the scene. Strode was a star in Italy, where he lived between 1969 and 1973. Also, he appeared in several episodes of the 1952-1954 television series Ramar of the Jungle, where he portrayed an African warrior. Deweys book was published early in 1996 when Stewart was still alive. And, as my article highlights, Hal Williams was not fired from The Jimmy Stewart Show. If Jim had an issue with casting a black actor, why was Williams not fired? He would find several extras roles over the decade, before turning to pro wrestling on a more full-time basis in 1949. from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much. Woody Strode has not been elected into the Hall of Fame. Thank you for reading! Thanks for setting me straight. A Los Angeles native, he excelled in athletics at UCLA in the late 1930s, where he was explosive as a decathlete as well as part of the college football team that also included Jackie Robinson he, Robinson, and future NFL starKenny Washington made up three of the four backfields and were dubbed the Gold Dust Gang by the press. Im so happy you came across my article. The Ten Commandments (1956) As Kanter recalled, Jim didnt like the idea of a black police officer lecturing him on television, and threatened to use his casting approval to get Hal Williams out of the show. And yet, it's impossible to get enough of him, even when he crosses every line and oversteps every boundary. It is like when people try to pretend John Wayne and Winston Churchill were not racist. In 1941, he began working as a professional wrestler, and in 1946, he and Washington became the first two African-American football players to play in the NFL, when they signed with the Los Angeles Rams. Thanks for reading, James. WOODY STRODE TRIBUTE SPANISH FILMS 11K views James Caan on John Wayne filmSCHOOLarchive 2.4M views Jimmy Stewart is Delightfully Funny, FULL Interview on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show 1989. Strode worked in B-movies through the 70s and 80s and acted as the narrator for Mario Van Peebles Black Western Posse in 1993. Thanks for clearing that up. He majored in history and education. Woody Strode, Black Representation and John Ford's SERGEANT - YouTube The season eight episode "Someone's Got A Woody" finds poor Woody being held captive in the morgue, even as he works to help prove his abductor's innocence. but i had also read the story of him sticking up for Strode, so I didnt know what to believe. Required fields are marked *. Perhaps, Henry Fondas daughter Ms Jane Fonda would be perfect to obtain a definitive comment. For nearly two decades he remained a pioneer against racism in the film and television industry. Woody Strode Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Family In 1939 he played for one of UCLA's greatest football teams ever, alongside future baseball legend Jackie Robinson. Thank you for more information for understanding. Strode worked in B-movies through the '70s and '80s and acted as the narrator for Mario Van Peebles' Black. Hi Wyman! During the episode, the main group of guys find themselves unable to remember what they did the night before, only to find themselves involved in a murder investigation. As an African American, the rumor was disturbing which is why I searched for the facts behind the rumor. If the interview did in fact occur, Munn quotes Strode as saying that, on the set of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Jimmy Stewart was too decent a person to be a hard-case racist, but that Strode believed Jim was uncomfortable around him. In an interview given before he died, Stewart once described the toll that Fords meanness took on Wayne. No Time for Love (1943) Thankfully, the show never subjected Woody - or viewers - to that possibility. According to Peter Fonda, the sheer fact that Jimmy Stewart was best friends with Peters father, Henry Fonda, proves that Jim was not racist. Lust in the Dust (1985) I have watched his films since I was a teenager and hoped that this rumor was untrue. It changed my outlook on many other things and renewed my faith in mankind, thank you. Which is sort of remarkable, because they love each other. I almost fell for that rumor , but to just listen to Mr. Stewarts interview i know in my heart that he was not a racist. After livestock belonging to Rack's friend Walter Colby (Woody Strode, The Italian connection. Thank you for bringing the evidence together. Though well into middle-age in films like Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) and The Deserter (1971), Strode still looks extraordinarily vital, fitter than most men half his age. 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. Thanks for reading, Luke. She has been in love with all things film and television since she saw her first movie in theatres at 2.5 years old (Muppet Treasure Island, in case you were wondering). Stay tuned to theLast Word on Pro Wrestlingfor more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. 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.