Matinee Classics - Hopalong Cassidy Biography & Filmography

Hopalong Cassidy ACTOR

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HOPALONG CASSIDY BIOGRAPHY & FILMOGRAPHY:

Hopalong Cassidy, born with the birth name William Boyd on June 5th, 1895 in Cambridge, Ohio was the son of a laborer. At the age of seven his family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Sadly, in his early teens, both parents passed away. He was therefore, forced to leave receiving his childhood education and instead work various jobs to make an income.

In 1919, he chose to move to Hollywood. He received his first role as an extra on, "Why Change Your Wife?" (1920). He tried to enlist in the army during World War I, but was not allowed due to a weak heart condition. Following his small appearance he was actually lucky enough to get a lead role in, "Volga Boatman" (1926). Unbelievable this film was earning him upwards of $100,000 per year. He also appeared in, "Lady of the Pavements" (1929).

However, as the silent movie era began to end, Boyd was sadly unemployed. Coincidently, another actor with the name, William 'Stage' Boyd, was arrested for gambling and liquor charges and this put even more confusion and increased hardship on his career.

Luckily, in 1935 Boyd was offered the lead role in, "Hop-A-Long Cassidy" and Boyd did everything in his power to make this character an ideal role model. The original character was supposed to portrayed as a hard drinking, rough living wrangler, but instead, Hopalong changed him to be presented as a cowboy here who did not smoke, drink or swear.

He also married, Grace Bradley, whom he remained with as his life long partner until his passing. By 1943, Boyd had made 54 "Hoppies" for his original producer. Even after the producer, Harry Sherman dropped the series, Boyd continued with it and produced 12 more.

He was the hero of a total of 28 western novels written by author, Clarence E. Mulford.

In 1948, Boyd chose to sell his ranch and make enough money to buy the rights to all his pictures. He marketed all sorts of products and was able to collect royalties on items such as lunch boxes, watches, trashcans, cups and dishes.

He soon decided to leave filming the series, but chose to turn over his company to CBS, assuring employment for his entire crew. Prior to leaving this role, in 1950, Hopalong appeared on numerous magazines such as the cover issue of "Look" (1950) and the November 27th issue of "Time" (1950).

Boyd also received a cameo as himself in, "The Greatest Show on Earth" ( 1952) and was also offered the role of Moses, which he declined. He felt that after protraying Hopalong for so many years, the public would never be able to accept him portraying the character of Moses.

In 1953, Boyd chose to retire in the beautiful area of Palm Desert, California. On September 12th, 1962, Boyd passed way in Laguna Beach, California from Parkinson's disease as well as heart failure. He was buried in the Forest Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Glendale, California.

He did have three previous wives prior to Grace, Dorothy Sebastian (1931-1935), Ellinor Fair (1926-1929) and Ruth Miller (1921-1924) but all were short lived until he met Grace.

A total of sixty-six motion picture features starring the same actor was an amazing feat at that time. The films were shown all over America as well as internationally. He was receiving over 15,000 fan letters on a weekly basis. William Boyd Enterprises was sold for $8 million. Boyd received a star on the Hollywood walk of Fame and was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame as well as the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

Hoplalong Cassidy Films

1954 Tricky Fingers

1954 The Emerald Saint

1954 The Black Sombrero

1954 Frameup for Murder

1954 Masquerade for Matilda

1952 The Greatest Show on Earth

1948 Strange Gamble

1948 False Paradise

1948 Borrowed Trouble

1948 Sinister Journey

1948 The Dead Don't Dream