Danny Sands was an American actor, best known for his work as a stuntman and extra during the golden age of movies and television. Born as Danny Howard Sands on May 21, 1914, in Carlsbad, New Mexico, he made a lasting impact on the film industry before his death on January 15, 1998, in Toluca Lake, California.
Personal and Family Life
Danny Sands was married to Susan, who remained with him until his passing in 1998. His career began as a horse exerciser at a racetrack, which eventually led him to work in films. He developed a lifelong friendship with director Howard Hawks, who was instrumental in shaping his career.
Career Highlights
Though Sands started acting in the late 1930s, he gained significant recognition in the late 1940s working on Howard Hawks’ films. He often played roles as a posse rider or townsman in various productions, including many Monogram films. The rise of television brought further opportunities for Sands, as he appeared in numerous Warner Brothers westerns and managed to work on Disney productions as well.
Death and Legacy
Danny Sands passed away on January 15, 1998, leaving behind a legacy as one of the unique cowboys in film history. He was inducted into the Stuntman Hall of Fame in 1989, recognizing his contributions to the industry. Even after the decline of westerns, Sands continued to find work in various shows, endearing himself to many in the industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Rio Bravo | 1959-03-18 | Barfly (uncredited) |
| Around the World in Eighty Days | 1956-10-17 | Extra (uncredited) |
| A Man Alone | 1955-10-17 | Townsman (uncredited) |
| The Good Guys and the Bad Guys | 1969-10-10 | Townsman (uncredited) |
| Blazing Saddles | 1974-02-07 | Desperado (uncredited) |
| How the West Was Won | 1962-11-02 | Trapeze Man (uncredited) |
| Rio Lobo | 1970-04-01 | Man Delivering Message to Jail (uncredited) |
| Apache Warrior | 1957-07-01 | Trooper (uncredited) |
| Yellowstone Kelly | 1959-11-11 | Bartender (uncredited) |
| Fort Osage | 1952-02-10 | Townsman (uncredited) |
| Best of the Badmen | 1951-08-09 | Townsman (uncredited) |
| Law of the Badlands | 1951-02-24 | Barfly (uncredited) |
| River of No Return | 1954-04-30 | Prospector (uncredited) |
| Viva Zapata! | 1952-02-07 | Undetermined Secondary Role (uncredited) |
| The Tin Star | 1957-10-23 | Townsman (uncredited) |