Tom Mix was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Riders of the Purple Sage,” “The Miracle Rider,” and “Destry Rides Again.”
Personal and Family Life
Tom Mix was born Thomas Hezikiah Mix on January 6, 1880, in Mix Run, Pennsylvania. He had a vibrant personal life, having been married five times, with his most recent spouse being Mabel Irene Ward. He had two children from his previous marriages and was known for his larger-than-life personality, both on and off the screen.
Career Highlights
Mix began his journey in entertainment as a drum major and later participated in various Wild West shows. He made his film debut in 1910 and quickly established himself as a top cowboy star during the silent film era, featuring alongside his famous horse, Tony. His career peaked in the 1920s, where he starred in movies that captivated audiences, but he gradually retired from Hollywood by the mid-1930s due to changes in the industry.
Death and Legacy
On October 12, 1940, Tom Mix tragically died in a car accident in Arizona. He took a turn too fast, and a suitcase struck him on the head, leading to his car plunging into a ravine. In his honor, the ravine was renamed “The Tom Mix Wash,” and he is remembered as a significant figure in the history of Western films.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Riders of the Purple Sage | 1925-03-15 | Jim Carson |
| The Great K&A Train Robbery | 1926-10-17 | Tom Gordon |
| Sky High | 1922-01-15 | Grant Newbury |
| Dick Turpin | 1925-02-01 | Dick Turpin |
| The Miracle Rider | 1935-04-11 | Tom Morgan, Texas Ranger |
| Destry Rides Again | 1932-04-17 | Tom Destry |
| Terror Trail | 1933-02-02 | Tom Munroe |
| My Pal, the King | 1932-04-03 | Tom Reed |
| The Rider of Death Valley | 1932-04-23 | Tom Rigby |