James Ellison

James Ellison was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Plainsman, Hopalong Cassidy, and I Walked with a Zombie.

Personal and Family Life

Born James Ellison Smith on May 4, 1910, in Guthrie Center, Iowa, he was raised on a ranch in Montana, where he developed skills for his future roles as a cowboy in films. He moved to Los Angeles with his family, where he began studying theater and eventually caught the attention of Hollywood scouts. Ellison was married twice; his first wife, Gertrude Durkin, passed away in 1970, and he later married Lois Bretherton in 1972.

Career

James Ellison started his film career with small roles and gained fame as the sidekick Johnny Nelson in the Hopalong Cassidy series in the mid-1930s. His biggest role was as Buffalo Bill in The Plainsman, although his performance was not well-received by the director. Despite never achieving major stardom, he continued to appear in various films, including musicals and horror classics, till he retired and shifted to a career in real estate.

Death and Legacy

James Ellison passed away on December 23, 1993, at the age of 83 after suffering a fatal fall that resulted in a broken neck. He is remembered for his contributions to Western films and left a mark in Hollywood as a beloved character actor. His legacy continues through his work in film, particularly in the Hopalong Cassidy franchise.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Vivacious Lady 1938-05-13 Keith
I Walked with a Zombie 1943-04-21 Wesley Rand
The Undying Monster 1942-11-27 Robert Curtis
Charley’s Aunt 1941-08-01 Jack Chesney
The Plainsman 1936-11-16 William “Buffalo Bill” Cody
Crooked River 1950-06-09 Shamrock Ellison
The Gang’s All Here 1943-12-24 Andy Mason
The Ghost Goes Wild 1947-08-08 Monte Crandall
Heart of the West 1936-02-24 Johnny Nelson
Three on the Trail 1936-04-14 Johnny Nelson
Hop-a-long Cassidy 1935-08-23 Johnny Nelson
Borderland 1937-02-26 Johnny Nelson
Bar 20 Rides Again 1935-12-06 Johnny Nelson
Call of the Prairie 1936-03-06 Johnny Nelson
Trail Dust 1936-12-11 Johnny Nelson
The Eagle’s Brood 1935-10-25 Johnny Nelson
Hollywood and Vine 1945-04-25 Larry Winters
The Winning Ticket 1935-02-08 Jimmy
Zenobia 1939-04-21 Jeff Carter
Play Girl 1941-01-29 Thomas Elwood Dice
Buried Loot 1935-01-19 Detective (uncredited)
Anne of Windy Poplars 1940-06-28 Tony Pringle
Calendar Girl 1947-01-31 Steve Adams
Hitch Hike Lady 1935-12-28 Jimmy Peyton
Texas Lawmen 1951-12-02 Sheriff Tod Merrick
Last of the Wild Horses 1948-12-27 Duke Barnum
Johnny Doesn’t Live Here Anymore 1944-07-07 Mike Burke
Hotel for Women 1939-08-03 Jeff Buchanan
Sorority House 1939-05-05 Bill Loomis
Almost a Gentleman 1939-03-31 Dan Preston
Careful, Soft Shoulders 1942-09-18 Thomas Aldrich
The Texan Meets Calamity Jane 1950-11-15 Gordon Hastings
Lady, Let’s Dance 1944-04-11 Jerry Gibson
Annapolis Salute 1937-09-10 William J. “Bill” Martin
When the Girls Take Over 1962-04-30 Alex ‘Longhorn’ Gates (as Jimmy Ellison)
23 1/2 Hours Leave 1937-03-21 Sgt. Robert Gray
You Can’t Fool Your Wife 1940-05-21 Andrew Hinklin
Mother Carey’s Chickens 1938-07-29 Ralph Thurston
Play Girl 1932-03-12 Elmer
Next Time I Marry 1938-12

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