William Boyd was an American actor who is best known for his role as Hopalong Cassidy in a series of films and television shows. He had a significant impact on the Western genre and became a beloved figure in American cinema.
Personal and Family Life
William Boyd was born on June 5, 1895, in Hendrysburg, Ohio. He faced manyChallenges in his early life, including the loss of his parents when he was a teenager. Boyd had multiple marriages: he was married to Grace Bradley from 1937 until his death in 1972, as well as to Dorothy Sebastian, Elinor Fair, Ruth Miller, and Laura M. Maynes.
Career Highlights
Boyd began his acting career in Hollywood in 1919, initially working as an extra. He gained fame as Hopalong Cassidy by portraying a clean-cut cowboy who did not engage in vices like smoking or drinking. Throughout his career, he starred in numerous films, particularly Westerns, which established him as a top box office draw.
Death and Legacy
William Boyd passed away on September 12, 1972, in Laguna Beach, California, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease and heart failure. His legacy continues through the enduring popularity of the Hopalong Cassidy character and the impact he had on Western films and television.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Big Gamble | 1931-09-04 | Alan Beckwith |
| The Volga Boatman | 1926-05-23 | Feodor |
| Border Patrol | 1943-04-02 | Hopalong Cassidy |
| Doomed Caravan | 1941-01-10 | Hopalong Cassidy |
| Fool’s Gold | 1946-10-09 | Hopalong Cassidy |
| Forty Thieves | 1944-06-23 | Hopalong Cassidy |
| Hidden Gold | 1940-06-07 | Hopalong Cassidy |
| Pirates on Horseback | 1941-05-23 | Hopalong Cassidy |
| Borrowed Trouble | 1948-07-23 | Hopalong Cassidy |
| Dangerous Venture | 1947-05-23 | Hopalong Cassidy |