Randolph Scott was an American actor who is best known for Comanche Station, Ride the High Country, and The Last of the Mohicans. He became one of Hollywood’s most famous Western stars and had a successful career spanning over four decades.
Personal and Family Life
Randolph Scott was born George Randolph Scott on January 23, 1898, in Orange County, Virginia. He grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, in a wealthy family. After serving in World War I, he graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in textile engineering. He had two marriages, first to Marian DuPont and later to Patricia Stillman, with whom he had two adopted children, Christopher and Sandra.
Career Highlights
Scott began his acting career in the late 1920s and initially appeared in various film genres, including comedies and dramas. However, it was not until he shifted his focus to Westerns in the late 1940s that he achieved significant success. His portrayal of stoic, rugged characters in films like Ride the High Country established him as a major star in the genre. Scott’s collaborations with director Budd Boetticher are considered pivotal in redefining Westerns as an art form.
Death and Legacy
Randolph Scott passed away on March 2, 1987, in Beverly Hills, California, due to heart and lung ailments. He is remembered as one of the greatest Western stars in film history. After retiring, he enjoyed a private life away from the industry, becoming a multimillionaire through smart investments.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Comanche Station | 1960-03-01 | Jefferson Cody |
| Ride the High Country | 1962-06-20 | Gil Westrum |
| The Last of the Mohicans | 1936-07-02 | Hawkeye |
| Abilene Town | 1946-01-11 | Marshall Dan Mitchell |
| Rage at Dawn | 1955-03-26 | James Barlow |