Roy Rogers was an American actor known for his roles in films such as “My Pal Trigger,” “Son of Paleface,” and “The Roy Rogers Show.” He was a prominent figure in Western films and is often referred to as the “King of the Cowboys.”
Personal and Family Life
Roy Rogers was born Leonard Franklin Slye on November 5, 1911, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was married three times, with his most notable marriage to Dale Evans, which lasted from 1947 until his passing in 1998. Together, they welcomed six children. Earlier, he was married to Grace Arline Wilkins until her death and Lucile Ascolese, from whom he got divorced.
Career
In 1930, Roy moved to California, where he joined several musical groups before forming the Sons of the Pioneers in 1934. He began acting in films in 1936 and soon became a superstar in the Western genre. He starred in nearly 100 films and hosted “The Roy Rogers Show,” which aired from 1951 to 1964, solidifying his status as a beloved cultural icon.
Death and Legacy
Roy Rogers passed away on July 6, 1998, at his home in Apple Valley, California, due to congestive heart failure. His legacy endures through his music, films, and the impact he had on the Western genre in American cinema. Rogers is remembered as a symbol of American cowboy culture, inspiring generations with his heroic portrayals and love for animals.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Son of Paleface | 1952-07-14 | Roy Barton |
| My Pal Trigger | 1946-07-10 | Roy Rogers |
| Rough Riders’ Round-up | 1939-03-13 | Roy Rogers |
| Dark Command | 1940-04-15 | Fletcher ‘Fletch’ McCloud |
| Hollywood Canteen | 1944-12-15 | Self |
| Bad Man of Deadwood | 1941-09-05 | Brett Starr aka Bill Brady |
| The Carson City Kid | 1940-07-01 | The Carson City Kid’s Brother |
| Colorado | 1940-09-15 | Jerry Burke |
| Cowboy and the Senorita | 1944-05-13 | Roy Rogers |
| Under California Stars | 1948-04-30 | Roy Rogers |
| Bells of San Angelo | 1947-04-15 | Roy Rogers |
| Rhythm on the Range | 1936-07-01 | Leonard – Sons of the Pioneers |
| Home in Oklahoma | 1946-10-18 | Roy Rogers |
| Lights of Old Santa Fe | 1944-11-06 | Roy Rogers |
| Sunset Serenade | 1942-09-14 | Roy Rogers |
| Sheriff of Tombstone | 1941-05-07 | Roy Rogers |
| Grand Canyon Trail | 1948-11-04 | Roy Rogers |