Cactus Mack was an American actor known for his work in various Western films and television series. He is best recognized for his roles in “Gunsmoke,” “The Singing Hill,” and “Destry Rides Again.”
Personal and Family Life
Born as Taylor McPeters on August 8, 1899, in Weed, New Mexico, Cactus Mack was the second of eleven children in his family. He married Etta Sarah Jessee on July 4, 1922, in Tombstone, Arizona. Mack was related to famous cowboy actors, including his cousins, Glenn Strange and Rex Allen. He pursued a successful career in acting and music, performing with various cowboy bands.
Career
Mack began his career in the 1930s, joining rodeos and later moving to Hollywood. He played music with well-known bands and transitioned into acting, often portraying villainous roles in Westerns. In his later years, he appeared in the TV series “Gunsmoke,” which was notable for providing him a chance to showcase his talent in significant roles. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury while filming and later died of a heart attack in 1962.
Death and Legacy
Cactus Mack passed away on April 17, 1962, in Hollywood, California, due to a heart attack after undergoing abdominal surgery. His legacy continues through his contributions to film and television, particularly in the Western genre. His daughter commemorated his memory during the funeral of Roy Rogers, highlighting Mack’s influential relationships within the entertainment community.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Code | 1940-04-12 | Quitting Ranch Hand (uncredited) |
| Knight of the Plains | 1938-05-07 | Rancher |
| In Old Montana | 1939-02-05 | Prisoner |
| Saga of Death Valley | 1939-11-17 | Mississippi |
| The Lone Ranger Rides Again | 1939-02-25 | Lynch-Mob Townsman |
| Custer’s Last Stand | 1936-01-02 | Lieutenant Weir |
| Cyclone of the Saddle | 1935-04-03 | Guitar Player |
| Texas | 1941-10-09 | Lashan Henchman |
| The Oregon Trail | 1939-07-04 | Settler |
| Avenging Waters | 1936-05-08 | Henchman Joe |
| Zorro’s Fighting Legion | 1939-12-16 | Cisco |
| The Night Riders | 1939-04-12 | Henchman Rent Collector |
| Frontier Pony Express | 1939-04-11 | Dance Announcer |
| New Frontier | 1939-08-10 | Fake Indian |
| Days of Jesse James | 1939-12-20 | Worthington’s New Recruit Deputy (uncredited) |
| Destry Rides Again | 1939-11-30 | Musician (uncredited) |
| The Marshal Of Mesa City | 1939-11-03 | Deputy Slim (uncredited) |