Jeffrey Hunter

Jeffrey Hunter was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Searchers, King of Kings, and Hell to Eternity.

Personal and Family Life

Born as Henry Herman McKinnies Jr. on November 25, 1926, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jeffrey Hunter was raised as an only child. He had a passion for acting from a young age, participating in children’s theater and radio plays. Throughout his life, he was married three times to Barbara Rush, Joan Bartlett, and Emily McLaughlin, and he had four children: Christopher, Todd, Scott, and Steele Hunter.

Career

Hunter began his career on stage and television before transitioning to film. He achieved fame with his performance in John Ford’s classic The Searchers in 1956, where he starred alongside John Wayne. Despite early success, his career faced challenges in the 1960s, leading him to work on lower-budget films in Europe. His most famous role is arguably as Jesus in King of Kings (1961), though he gained recognition for a variety of roles throughout his career.

Death and Legacy

Jeffrey Hunter’s life was cut short when he passed away on May 27, 1969, at the age of 42 due to complications from a stroke. He suffered a head injury at home the day before his death, which led to his hospitalization and eventual brain surgery. Hunter’s legacy endures through his memorable performances and contributions to film and television, particularly in the Western genre and as Captain Christopher Pike in Star Trek.

Filmography