Rodd Redwing was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “The Ten Commandments,” “The Mole People,” and “Shalako.” He was also known for his expertise as a trick shooter and firearms coach in Hollywood.
Personal and Family Life
Rodd Redwing was born Ulysses Webb Richardson Jr. on August 24, 1904, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He had a unique upbringing; his father was a stage actor, and his mother came from the Chickasaw reservation in Oklahoma. Rodd was married once to Ericka Rosa “Nicki” Wagner from March 30, 1959, until his death in 1971. He attended various schools and excelled in sports during his youth, particularly in football.
Career Highlights
In addition to acting, Rodd served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was an experienced gunsmith with Stembridge Gun Rentals, contributing to realistic shooting scenes in films. He trained many well-known actors in firearm handling for Westerns and gained recognition for his incredible shooting skills. Among his accolades, he was a noted trick shooter, capable of hitting very small targets quickly.
Death and Legacy
Rodd Redwing passed away on May 30, 1971, in Los Angeles, California, from a heart attack while returning from Spain. His contribution to Hollywood as a trick shooter and as an actor in various notable films has left a lasting mark on the industry. Despite conflicting claims about his heritage, he is remembered as a significant figure in bringing more true-to-life depictions of Native Americans to the screen.
Filmography
Title | Release Date | Character |
---|---|---|
Rancho Notorious | 1952-03-06 | Rio |
The Mole People | 1956-12-01 | Nazar |
Shalako | 1968-09-26 | Chato’s Father |
The Flame Barrier | 1958-04-02 | Waumi |
The Pathfinder | 1952-12-09 | Chief Arrowhead |
Buffalo Bill in Tomahawk Territory | 1952-02-08 | Running Deer |
Charro! | 1969-03-13 | Lige |
Creature from the Black Lagoon | 1954-03-05 | Luis (uncredited) |
Key Largo | 1948-07-16 | John Osceola (uncredited) |
Son of Geronimo | 1952-11-06 | Porico, Son of Geronimo |