Movies|Harry Carey Jr., Sidekick to John Wayne, Dies at 91
https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/02/movies/harry-carey-jr-boyish-sidekick-to-john-wayne-dies-at-91.html
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Harry Carey Jr., an actor who made his mark as a boyish sidekick to John Wayne in John Ford westerns like “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon” (1949), “Wagon Master” (1950) and “The Searchers” (1956), and later became one of the most ubiquitous character actors in American television and movie westerns, died on Thursday in Santa Barbara, Calif. He was 91.
His family told Reuters he died of natural causes in a hospice.
Mr. Carey was one of the last surviving members of a group known informally in Hollywood as the John Ford stock company, actors cast by that director in many of his best-known films. Besides Wayne, they included stars like Ward Bond, Henry Fonda and Victor McLaglen and dozens of lesser-knowns like Mr. Carey whose faces became as essential to the foreground of Ford’s westerns as buttes and mesas were to the background.
A gangly, red-haired man who often wore the front brim of his cowboy hats turned up to keep them from overwhelming his delicate face, Mr. Carey was never a leading man. But he brought an aura of earnest decency to the cavalry officers, cattle rustlers and assorted second fiddles he portrayed.
He appeared in nearly 100 movies in his 50-year career, including nonwesterns and many films by directors other than Ford. Howard Hawks cast him in his first role, in “Red River” (1948), as well as in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” with Marilyn Monroe (1953). On television Mr. Carey made scores of appearances in long-running western series like “Bonanza” and “Have Gun Will Travel”; and from 1955 to ’57, he portrayed Bill Burnett, the popular Triple R Ranch camp counselor in the “Spin and Marty” serials, featured on “The Mickey Mouse Club” show.
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As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the topic, I've spent years immersing myself in the world of classic movies, particularly those featuring prominent figures like John Wayne and his sidekick, Harry Carey Jr. I've extensively studied the works of directors like John Ford, Howard Hawks, and others who contributed to shaping the landscape of American cinema.
Now, let's delve into the article about Harry Carey Jr., the boyish sidekick to John Wayne, whose impact on the film industry extended beyond his iconic roles in John Ford westerns.
Key Concepts in the Article:
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Harry Carey Jr.'s Collaborations with John Wayne and John Ford:
- Harry Carey Jr. played a significant role as a sidekick to John Wayne in notable John Ford westerns such as "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" (1949), "Wagon Master" (1950), and "The Searchers" (1956).
- He was part of the John Ford stock company, a group of actors consistently cast by the director in many of his best-known films, alongside stars like Ward Bond, Henry Fonda, and Victor McLaglen.
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Career and Filmography:
- Harry Carey Jr. appeared in nearly 100 movies during his impressive 50-year career.
- Beyond his collaborations with John Ford, he worked in non-westerns and collaborated with directors like Howard Hawks, who cast him in "Red River" (1948) and "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953) with Marilyn Monroe.
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Television Appearances:
- In addition to his contributions to the big screen, Carey had a notable presence on television, making numerous appearances in long-running western series such as "Bonanza" and "Have Gun Will Travel."
- From 1955 to '57, he portrayed Bill Burnett, the popular Triple R Ranch camp counselor in the "Spin and Marty" serials, featured on "The Mickey Mouse Club" show.
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Personal Details:
- Harry Carey Jr. passed away in Santa Barbara, Calif., at the age of 91, reportedly due to natural causes in a hospice.
- Described as a gangly, red-haired man, he was known for wearing cowboy hats with the front brim turned up, contributing to his distinctive appearance.
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Legacy and Contribution:
- Carey, though not a leading man, brought an aura of earnest decency to his portrayals of cavalry officers, cattle rustlers, and various supporting characters.
- His legacy is intertwined with the golden era of Hollywood, particularly the western genre, where his face became as essential to the foreground as the iconic landscapes in Ford's films.
This comprehensive overview provides a glimpse into the life and career of Harry Carey Jr., an indispensable figure in the history of American cinema, leaving an enduring legacy in both film and television.
FAQs
Carey died of natural causes on December 27, 2012, in Santa Barbara at the age of 91. His entombment was at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery. At the time of his death, he was the last living member of the John Ford Stock Company.
Did John Wayne like Harry Carey Jr.? ›
Cannes Film Festival: 5 Things to Look for
After his father's death in 1947, Mr. Carey became, for better and worse, one of Wayne's friends and part of Ford's company. In his 1994 autobiography, “Company of Heroes: My Life as an Actor in the John Ford Stock Company,” Mr.
Who was John Wayne's best friend? ›
John Wayne's best friend was fellow actor Ward Bond, who starred with Wayne in such classic films as The Searchers, Rio Bravo, Fort Apache, and The Quiet Man. He was also part of Wayne's inner circle of conservative stars who looked to expose and blacklist any suspected communists in Hollywood.
What was Harry Carey Jr.'s last movie? ›
Among Carey's last screen appearances were his turn in a saloon scene in 1990's Back to the Future Part III. He also played a U.S. marshal in the 1993 film Tombstone and a supporting role in the 1997 TV movie Last Stand at Saber River.
Were Ben Johnson and Harry Carey Jr. friends? ›
his best friends, Ben Johnson!
Who was John Wayne's favorite leading lady? ›
Maureen O'Hara became the Queen of Technicolor and John Wayne's favorite leading lady.
Why does John Wayne hold his arm in The Searchers? ›
He is putting his hand on his elbow as a tribute to Harry Carey Sr. who always held his arm that way. John Wayne's performance in The Searchers is truly a work of art. For those that think the man can't act watch this movie.
Who did John Wayne leave his money to when he died? ›
“John Wayne's will ensured that all seven of his children and his first wife (his second wife ԁıеԁ in 1961, per Find-a-Grave) received some compensation, either directly, or through trust funds, leaving them all with five and six-figure sums.
Who were John Wayne's pallbearers? ›
The pallbearers were Dr. Robert Egan; Jack Gordean, Wayne's agent; Chick Iverson; Louis Johnson, the actor's cattle ranch partner; McGowan and Ernest Saftig. No advance word of the funeral was released. Wayne's family considered several suggestions for his funeral but kept the plans secret until after the service.
Did Dean Martin and John Wayne get along? ›
They were good friends, both members of the 'Rat Pack', an informal group of entertainers, partied, made films and appeared together in Las Vegas casino venues. What movies did John Wayne and Dean Martin star in together? Dean Martin appeared in two John Wayne films: 1959's Rio Bravo and 1965's The Sons of Katie Elder.
Harry Carey Jr.. was born on May 16, 1921, at the ranch of his parents, actors Olive Carey and Harry Carey. His father gave him the nickname "Dobe" shortly after his birth because the baby's red hair reminded him of the adobe soil at the ranch.
Was Harry Carey Jr. ever on Gunsmoke? ›
Gunsmoke (TV Series 1955–1975) - Harry Carey Jr. as Kelliher, Amos Brody, Colridge, Deesha, Grant, Jake, Jim, Nathan Cade, Turloe, Will Roniger - IMDb.
Could Harry Carey Jr. sing? ›
After World War II ended, Carey tried to make a career in singing, but he was not successful at this. Hence, he moved into acting, and after a couple of small acting parts, he was given a chance to work in a motion picture with his father, the John Wayne film Red River (1948).
Did John Wayne and Ben Johnson get along? ›
They did manage to maintain a friendly relationship nonetheless. Had appeared with John Wayne in eight films: Tall in the Saddle (1944), 3 Godfathers (1948), Fort Apache (1948), She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949), Rio Grande (1950), The Undefeated (1969), Chisum (1970) and The Train Robbers (1973).
How many movies did Harry Carey Jr. make with John Wayne? ›
Carey also collaborated with John Wayne with whom he made nine films. He got to work with Wayne first in Red River and last in Cahill U.S. Marshal. He also starred in nine films alongside Ben Johnson including Rio Grande and Cherry 2000.
Who was Harry Carey Jr.'s wife? ›
He was married to Marilyn Fix from 1944 until his death in 2012. Carey, Jr. died on December 27, 2012 in his home in Santa Barbara, California from natural causes, aged 91.
Were John Wayne and Harry Carey friends? ›
It's also not surprising that, in keeping with John Wayne's immense respect for the veteran actor that he gratefully accepted Mr. Carey's guidance and friendship. It was a relationship that continued, as Mr. Wayne would readily acknowledge, well beyond Harry Carey's death in 1947, putting Mr.
Did Ron Howard get along with John Wayne? ›
Howard approached Wayne in a different way from other actors, and it left a big impression on him, earning Howard his respect. He said: “I just realised that other people weren't engaging with him. He was an actor and wanted to make sure he had the scene under control. We developed a great rapport.”
Who was John Wayne's sidekick in most of his movies? ›
Harry Carey Jr. will always be remembered as John Wayne's sidekick in Hollywood.
