Ralph Moody was an American actor who is best known for his performances in Gunsmoke, The Rifleman, and The Lone Ranger. He was born on November 5, 1886, in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, as Ralph Roy Moody.
Personal and Family Life
Ralph Moody was the eldest son of Franklin Jerome Moody and Ida M. Hicklin. He married Hazel Belle McOwen on December 24, 1917, and they remained together until her death on August 23, 1960. Throughout his life, he balanced his family commitments with a flourishing acting career in radio and television.
Career Highlights
Moody’s acting journey began on stage before moving into radio, where he gained fame as Uncle Abner on CBS Radio in the 1930s. He made a notable transition to television and film later in life, appearing in various Westerns and gaining recognition for his versatility in character roles. Known for his appearances as Indian characters in Western films, he was also a regular on shows like Dragnet and Bonanza.
Death and Legacy
Ralph Moody passed away on September 16, 1971, in Burbank, California, due to a heart attack. His contributions to the entertainment industry have left a lasting impression, particularly in the genre of Westerns, and he is remembered for his diverse roles over two decades of acting.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Road to Bali | 1953-01-29 | Bhoma Da |
| I Died a Thousand Times | 1955-11-09 | Pa Goodhue |
| Affair in Trinidad | 1952-07-29 | Coroner (uncredited) |
| Seminole | 1953-03-20 | Kulak |
| Many Rivers to Cross | 1955-02-04 | Sandak |
| The Steel Jungle | 1956-03-10 | Andy Griffith |
| The Last Hunt | 1956-04-30 | Indian agent |
| The Legend of Tom Dooley | 1959-07-01 | Doc Henry |
| Alice in Wonderland | 2010-02-23 | (voice) (archive footage) |
| Going Steady | 1958-02-01 | Justice of the Peace |
| The Chase | 1966-02-18 | Townsman (uncredited) |
| The Lone Ranger and the Lost City of Gold | 1958-06-04 | Padre Vincente Esteban |
| The Gunfighter | 1950-06-23 | Old Man (uncredited) |