woody strode interview

Apr 1: WWE WrestleMania The Cotton Club Encore (2019) Odie Henderson. The Sins of Rachel Cade (1961) Michael Munns dangerous habit of mixing truth with exaggeration and fallacy calls his alleged interview with. I have watched his films since I was a teenager and hoped that this rumor was untrue. Strode played college football for the UCLA Bruins, the most integrated collegiate team in the nation in 1939, which included future NFL running back Kenny Washington and future Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Jackie Robinson. It was on the set of 1959s Pork Chop Hill, a Korean War film, that Strode met John Ford (though Ford was not the director; Lewis Milestone and star Gregory Peck shared the credit). More info, The cantankerous and eccentric John Ford had filmed other Westerns with John Wayne in colour from The Searchers to She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. Ford was so impressed with Strode, he gave him the starring role in 1960s Sergeant Rutledge, a Technicolor Western about a U.S. Cavalry sergeant falsely accused of raping a white woman and killing her father. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. For nearly two decades he remained a pio- neer against racism in the film and television industry. She's been living in a galaxy far, far away since she was 11 years old, though she makes the occasional stop in Themyscira, Hawkins, and Westeros - and she wouldn't have it any other way. The Revengers (1972) Aka: The Million Dollar Fire La spina dorsale del diavolo (1971) Storyville (1992) Aka: Black Kingpin At one point in their conversations, Jim shared that his 1934 arrival in Los Angeles was marred only by the obvious mistreatment of the black community. The episode "Last Night Gus" isn't just a real highlight for Psych but for Woody's character and his bizarre humor, too. A hilarious subplot within the episode finds Woody and Carlton "Lassie" Lassiter waking up snuggled up together, and left to wonder exactly what transpired between the two of them the night before. He majored in history and education. Strode was a gladiator in Demetrius and the Gladiators (1954) and was in Jungle Man-Eaters (1954), a Jungle . I can find no evidence to suggest that Jimmys support of Barry Goldwater in the 1964 presidential election was based on Goldwaters civil rights voting record. Feb 11 Mar 6, 2022. He often offers his opinions and most candid thoughts at the least appropriate moments. Strode was born in Los Angeles on July 25, 1914, the son . No smog because few people could afford cars in those days. Thankfully, the show never subjected Woody - or viewers - to that possibility. Thanks for reading, James. Shawn and Gus have been the best of friends ever since they were children, and maybe even since they were infants. Reviews. Ford had to accept those terms or not make the film.. This article looks at Woody Strode, an early African-American and Native American star who left pro wrestling in the early 1960s to become an actor in Hollywood for decades. Michael Munns integrity as a biographer has been questioned. Thats my take. > Career Records Woody Strode, byname of Woodrow Wilson Woolwine Strode, (born July 28, 1914, Los Angeles, California, U.S.died December 31, 1994, Glendora, California), American character actor who was part of director John Ford's "family" of actors, appearing in nearly a dozen of Ford's films. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. Spartacus (1991) I refer you back to the section in my article about The Jimmy Stewart Show for the facts behind the casting of Hal Williams on the show. Cutting Her Down to Size? For Jimmy Stewart, Duke Ellington was responsible for the best part of each evening: [Duke] played for us in the dining room at night, until ten, eleven, which was great fun for us.. Jimmy Stewart voiced his support for this goal in a 16 second radio campaign that played the week of February 16-23, 1947. So, Stewart didnt ask that the part be re-written. He was the African antagonist in Tarzan Fights for Life (1958) and an Apache chief who took on Sean Connery in the western, Shalako (1968). Woody Strode, the six-foot-four pioneering athlete turned movie star, was born in 1914, in South Central Los Angeles, to Black and Native American parents. After livestock belonging to Rack's friend Walter Colby (Woody Strode, The Italian connection. Required fields are marked *. Er verffentlichte theologische und philosophische Schriften, Arbeiten zur Musik, insbesondere zu Johann Sebastian Bach, sowie autobiographische Schriften in zahlreichen und vielbeachteten Werken.. So glad that Mr. Stewart was not a racist. Genghis Khan (1965) But it still doesn't make a whole lot of sense for him to make his first logical leap either. I really cried for days because hes one of my favorite actors and I am African-American. Once Upon A Time in the West (1968) Key West (TV) (1973) Of course, their football rhythm had been broken up by World War II. In comparison, Ford had made combat documentaries for the Office of Strategic Services and had been wounded at the Battle of Midway, while Ranse star Stewart had been a bomber pilot who served with distinction. As they were preparing to shoot, Ford came up to Stewart and asked, "What do you think of Woody's costume?" Stewart said that he didn't like it. If the interview did in fact occur, Munn quotes Strode as saying that, on the set of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Jimmy Stewart was too decent a person to be a hard-case racist, but that Strode believed Jim was uncomfortable around him. Spartacus (1960) Find on Wikipedia. As expertly portrayed by the comically gifted Kurt Fuller, Woody is a character who is always too much at all times. According to Kanter, Jim was chagrined by his mixup. Six decades later, the film continues to attract attention because it was one of the first mainstream films in the U.S. to treat racism frankly and to give a starring role to an African-American actor. Woody Strode 22 languages View history Woodrow Wilson Woolwine Strode (July 25, 1914 - December 31, 1994) was an American athlete and actor. Your email address will not be published. It was Ford who cast Strode in the lead role in Sergeant Rutledge. American Brotherhood Week, sponsored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, was meant to encourage not just religious tolerance, but acceptance and equality for all races and nationalities. Frye admits as much at the end of the quote. The Gambler from Natchez (1954) Given his love of talking too much, and going entirely too in depth on the worst subjects, that's not a surprise at all. Blacks usually sat at the back of the bus. Strode, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, died of lung cancer in Los Angeles in 1994 at the age of 80. Strode played as an End with the Rams in 1946, playing in 10 games that season. Retro book review: Strodes story a fascinating read, WOODY STRODES MOVIES Thanks again for reading! He competed in track and field and played football as a tight-end at UCLA. Aka: Chuck Moll What is it whats the idea? And I said, I dont know!, And I didnt know, Stewart added. May Mr. Stewart Rest In Peace. but i had also read the story of him sticking up for Strode, so I didnt know what to believe. Youre so right, Jims own words and actions prove that he was not racist. The Harder They Fall, the Black Western in theaters now and on Netflix on Nov. 3, owes a tip of the Stetson to Woody Strode, one of the NFLs first Black players (he signed briefly with the Los Angeles Rams in 1946), who later found a niche playing strong, silent types in Westerns. His own words and actions, and the words of those who knew him, prove that Jimmy Stewart was not racist. He wasnt just an athlete on a scholarship at UCLA, he was an academic. If Michael Munns interview with Woody Strode did take place, its craftily presented, with Munns own words inserted in key places to suggest that Jimmy Stewart was a racist. After being cut by the Rams after just a season, Strode headed north to Canada, where he suited up for the Calgary Stampeders. He's also written for Pro Wrestling Illustrated, WrestleZone, The Windsor Star, and other publications. NWA USA: Tag team main event is full of SVGS, SmackDown: Rhodes and Reigns lay WrestleMania goals, Mat Matters: Forecasting the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2023, Drago and Aero Star showcasing lucha libre abroad. Over the past several decades, more and more pro wrestlers are capitalizing on their work in pro wrestling to work in Hollywood as bonafide stars in the movie industry. debut in 1941 in Henry Hathaway' s Sundown. Id do that if I could. I was a big James Stewart fan until I read he was racist. Spartacus is probably Strodes most famous role as the warrior Kirk Douglas refuses to kill. How much did Woody Strode weigh when playing? Thanks again for reading, and thanks so much for commenting! Jimmy Stewart voiced his support for this goal in a 16 second radio campaign that played the week of February 16-23, 1947. By 1960, he was starting to garner more attention from Hollywood producers, and after roles inPork Chop Hill (1959), The Last Voyage (1960), andSpartacus(1960), Hollywood deemed he was no longer an extra and deserved more attention. Kanters interview includes his overwhelmingly positive insights on both Jim and working on The Jimmy Stewart Show (1971-1972). link]. Donald Bogle, Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies & Bucks (New York: Continuum, 1992); Internet Movie Data Base (IMDB) title search by key word; Woody Strode,; The Timeout Film Guide, edited by Tom Milne, Penguin Books, 3rd Edition, 1992. Androcoles and the Lion (1952) Ford discovered Wayne, then Marion Morrison, when the latter was a University of Southern California student with a summer job on a studio lot. His fellow Gold Dust Gang member Jackie Robinson would break the color barrier in Major League Baseball a year later in 1947. According to Peter Fonda, the sheer fact that Jimmy Stewart was best friends with Peters father, Henry Fonda, proves that Jim was not racist. Whether that labels him a racist or not is irrelevant. But then, towards the end of filming, the director asked the Ranse star what he made of Strodes costume for the beginning and the end of the film when their characters were portrayed as 25 years older. Strode served in the Air Force from 1942 to 1946, including time in Guam and the Marianas where he unloaded bombs. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. ", Strode blamed Ford for almost all the tension on The Man From Liberty Valances set. Was Jimmy Stewart Racist? An athlete turned actor, Strode was a top-notch decathlete and a football star at UCLA. Speaking of Woody not being the most socially aware person in the world, look no further than his lack of understanding when it comes to chat speak as yet another example of that fact. (Episode 6). Keoma (1976) Jims daughter, Kelly Stewart Harcourt, also knew her father was not racist: There were not a lot of black people in Dads life, but he was not a racist.. Seduto alla sua destra (1968) Besides Ford, Strode also worked with storied directors Cecil B. Youd never see them in the big department stores. In the trailer, Jim, Van Johnson, Shirley Temple, Eddie Cantor, Jennifer Jones, Ingrid Bergman, Walter Pidgeon, Katharine Hepburn, and Edward G. Robinson encouraged Americans to stand together in support of freedom for all, a message particularly relevant in the wake of World War II. Strode made a successful transition from sports hero to the movie screen, though Hollywood seemed more predisposed to his magnificent physique and gallant stride than his acting ability. The evidence proves that Jim was not racist. Bit of a game changer." Though Woody usually means well, he's not always the . I am an African American woman who had stopped watching his films when I heard about his overt racism. Colpo in canna (1975) If Jim would never say it that way, then Bill Frye should not say it that way for him. And I agree, it would be illogical to assume that Jimmy Stewart was racist based on his support of Nixon, Reagan, and US troops in Vietnam. Also in the Munn interview, Strode relates an incident in which. Strode appeared in at least 90 films, from Sunrise in 1941 to his last, The Quick and the Dead, released in 1995. Since 1964-when he, Examinations of masculinity in John Ford's film The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) tend to revolve around the two leading male protagonists played by John Wayne and James Stewart (Tom Doniphon, By clicking accept or continuing to use the site, you agree to the terms outlined in our. Thanks for commenting. In 1946, Jimmy Stewart led a small group of stars who vocalized their support for brotherhood among all Americans. His recollection of several details that are easily checked is inaccurate. Pete Thodos would score shortly thereafter to seal a 12-7 Calgary win. He was a decathlete and football star who was one of the first Black American players in the National Football League in the postwar era. > The Artist Canvas And late Hollywood legend James Stewart got to watch their dynamic up close. Scipione detto anche lafricano (1971) Not many sports historians report, No one is more deserving than Frank Manchel, Emeritus Professor of English and Film at the University of Vermont, to be recognized by Film & History as a pioneer in film studies. And yet, it's impossible to get enough of him, even when he crosses every line and oversteps every boundary. Thanks for reading Tracy! Im so glad you found my article, and Im beyond happy to hear that you can enjoy Jimmys films once more. LUltimo guerriero (1984) Interesting to see that there are actually people out there who are hell-bent on believing that Jimmy was racist. Also, his agent Bill Frye, in Jimmy Stewart: A Biography, says that Stewart turned down the role of Atticus Finch in Mockingbird because he was uncomfortable with the liberal racial tone (though without using those words). Request Permissions. Is Woody Strode in the Hall of Fame? The Buccaneer (1958) Strode appeared in several subsequent Ford films, though never in a starring capacity. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. City Beneath the Sea (1953) Jimmy Stewart was not racist. Two Rode Together (1961) Additionally, the director kept mocking Wayne for not enlisting in World War II, which made the star feel guilty in his later years. > Obituary Archive Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. But its possible the interview never occurred. The show keeps things as PG as it can when it comes to his involvement with the cadavers he analyzes. All Rights Reserved. If we are to take Michael Munns 1976 interview with Woody Strode as fact, then Munns alleged interview with Lee Marvin, another Liberty Valance star, should also be considered. Son of Sinbad (1955) At many times throughout the stressful saga, Woody is also fearing for his life, even pleading desperately with his captor and the episode's villain. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Cuibul salamandrelor (1976) Click here to subscribe. Aka: Jungle Warriors > Movies & TV Hal Kanter is our only primary source on the alleged conversation. John Ford wasnt afraid to explore bigotry in his films, but Sergeant Rutledge is a standout and the first big-budget Western to feature a black man as the hero played by Woody Strode. Unfortunately, anger at Jimmy Stewart is also the takeaway of less engaged readers of Michael Munns book. Stewart was a political conservative and product of his time and had issues with racial advancement and equality. And, as my article highlights, Hal Williams was not fired from The Jimmy Stewart Show. If Jim had an issue with casting a black actor, why was Williams not fired? Excellent points Dennis, thanks for commenting! Before judging Jimmy Stewarts character by the recollections of one man 25 years after an alleged conversation occurred, consider the facts that can be confirmed: Based on the facts that can be confirmed, Hal Kanters anecdote cannot be used as evidence that Jimmy Stewart was racist. Michael Munns 2005 biography, Jimmy Stewart: The Truth Behind the Legend[aff. And according to the actor, Ford froze, then walked away. (A small role in 1941s Sundown marked his actual debut.) Born July 28, 1914, in Los Angeles, California, Woody Strode (Woodrow Wilson Woolwine Strode) was first of the star football athletes to become a successful film actor. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. Tarzans Fight for Life (1958) De Mille (The Ten Commandments as the King of Ethiopia); Stanley Kubrick (Spartacus); and Sergio Leone (Once Upon a Time in the West). His words, actions, and moral code prove the fallacy of any rumor to the contrary. Jan. 3, 1995 12 AM PT. Michael Munns dangerous habit of mixing truth with exaggeration and fallacy calls his alleged interview with Woody Strode into question. On Fire (TV) (1987) Lets go behind the origin of the rumor that Jimmy Stewart was racist, and the evidence that refutes it. He would find several extras roles over the decade, before turning to pro wrestling on a more full-time basis in 1949. Ravagers (1979) For terms and use, please refer to our Terms and Conditions Thanks for reading David! > Canadian Hall of Fame Producer Julian Blaustein, who produced Jims 1950 film, Broken Arrow, also knew that Jimmy Stewart was not racist: I never knew Jimmy to do or say anything that was racist.. But when it came to shooting 1962s The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance with Duke and Jimmy Stewart on the Paramount lot, the director opted for black and white instead. I dont know if Stewart was a racist but he was a staunch supporter of Nixon, Reagan and the illegal US invasion of Vietnam. And when we lost, we cried like babies.. Strode lived in Italy for five years and made 12 films there. But I gradually learned L.A. was heavily segregated. In addition to his WWII record, Jimmy was a member of The American Brotherhood of Christians and Jews, which he encouraged others to join. Otherwise, we would have been inMonument ValleyorBrackettvilleand we would have had colour stock. His wrestling career? According to Woody, he's even less in control of himself, and all of his faculties, when tickling is involved. In Liberty Valance, a picture I did with Duke, Stewart recounted. Regarding your claim that the FBI agent character was written out of The Jimmy Stewart Show after Stewart objected to NBC: in my extensive research on the subject, Ive never found any evidence to support this. Hal Kanter is our only primary source on the alleged conversation. But I could tell he preferred to be around Lee Marvin or [John] Wayne than me., Also in the Munn interview, Strode relates an incident in whichLiberty Valance director, John Ford, asked Jim what he thought of Woodys costume, which consisted of old overalls an equally old hat. There's no easier way to put it: Woody is weird. Buruuba (1955) Jimmy Stewart was a remarkable man who loved all his fellowman. While at UCLA, he met his future wife when the football team was playing the University of Hawaii in Honolulu Hawaiian princess Luukialunan Kalaeloa. Woody Strode. Thanks for reading Brian! That doesnt sound like a racist! ", NEXT:Psych 2: Lassie Come Home: 10 Easter Eggs You Totally Missed. While his pro wrestling career lasted two decades from the 1940s to 1960s, his impact not only on the NFL and in Hollywood was a groundbreaker, making him a pioneer in many genres outside of the squared ring. An Interview with Woody Strode INTRODUCTION by Frank Manchei interview is with Woody Strode, called by JET magazine, "the Jackie Robinson of cinema." Strode made his film debut in 1941 in Henry Hathaway' s Sundown. And he said loudly, We have an actor here who objects to the costume on Woody Strode. He then proceeded to suggest that Stewart was prejudiced Strode, who also has since died, was African-American and added that he just wanted to share Stewarts objection to Strodes costume with the whole cast. This is Jimmy Stewart reminding you that this is Brotherhood week; a week reminding us all that the world of the future must be built on the recognition of the rights of each individual, whatever his color, creed, or national background. His last film was The Quick and the Dead, which starred Sharon Stone. "I know Gus well." "Shawn." "Him too. Im delighted to put the rumors about him to rest. And I went on, and it went around the company: Stewart has never, hes always right up there., The day before the movie finished shooting, the cast was preparing to do the funeral scene. Im so happy you came across my article. Tha Gatling Gun (1973) He served as a caregiver to Ford in his final years and was at Ford's deathbed in 1973. Aka: The Devils Backbone I would have lost that role if I hadnt been in shape, and if I hadnt had a lot of experience as a wrestler, Strode told the Pittsburgh Courier in 1961. debut in 1941 in Henry Hathaway' s Sundown. Thank you thank you thank you dear for this story, I am so so grateful for this. > Video There is no FBI agent in the 24 episodes of, In the dozens of interviews Hal Kanter gave about, Hal Williams also never called Jimmy Stewart a racist, or said that Jim mistreated him on. Then he asked Stewart to come over. He lives in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, with his wife and son. All Rights Reserved. See SERGEANT RUTLEDGE (60) on 7/31 at 10:45pm ET as we continue our spotlight Directed by John Ford.Look for this films on Watch TCM at http://tcm.com/watch.Connect with Turner Classic Movies:Visit TCM WEBSITE: http://myt.cm/TCMwebsiteFollow TCM on INSTAGRAM: http://myt.cm/TCMinstagramLike TCM on FACEBOOK: http://myt.cm/TCMfacebookFollow TCM on TWITTER: http://myt.cm/TCMtwitterSubscribe now to watch more classic film content from TCM http://spr.ly/6017cTBT Born in Los Angeles in 1914, Woodrow Wilson Woolwine Strode died at age 80 on New Year's Eve 1994. In 1939 he played for one of UCLA's greatest football teams ever, alongside future baseball legend Jackie Robinson. Thanks for setting me straight. Thanks again for reading Brice, and for your kind comment! Aug 5: WWE SummerSlam, > Archives They broke the NFLs modern colour barrier the year before, suiting up for the Los Angeles Rams. But that's what makes him such a great character. I was too young at the time to realize Ford was using me to get at Stewart. But in the early 1960s, it was Woody Strode who really broke the mold for professional wrestlers to appear in Hollywood films without just portraying pro wrestlers. Jim and Duke upset distributors of the film for a scene in which the two are seated next to each other on a piano bench, jamming at the piano of a bar filled with dancers. He's a baffling combination of crass and innocent, and all of his interactions with every member of the series' primary cast are always guaranteed to bring a laugh. 20072023 Blackpast.org. The picture was about, oh, more than halfway finished. James Stewart Once Described What It Was Like Working with a Frequent John Wayne Collaborator, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5mcU74rHGM, James Stewart on what it was like to work with John Ford (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5mcU74rHGM). But Ford had a cruel streak, PBS reports, and it emerged on the set of his movies. RELATED:Psych: Ranking The Main Characters By Intelligence. Con Jock Mahoney, Woody Strode, Tsu Kobayashi, Earl Cameron. I want to thank you for your research into one of my favorite actors. Another reliable source for Woody Strodes feelings towards Jimmy Stewart is a 1994 interview with Lee Marvin biographer, Dwayne Epstein. Despite these flaws, Kanters anecdote is cited as evidence that Jimmy Stewart was racist. Your email address will not be published. It needed to be done. May he forever RIP. I encourage you to read my full article for further insights into the character of Jimmy Stewart. Jimmy Stewart has deserved an article like this for a long time. Holmes. Watch the video below to hear what Jim and the other stars had to say about brotherhood: Freedom, brotherhood, and equality were issues Jimmy Stewart clearly felt strongly about, for he returned to headline American Brotherhood Week the following year. Thanks for clearing that up. As they were preparing to shoot, Ford came up to Stewart and asked, What do you think of Woodys costume?. Strode would play two more seasons in Calgary before an injury ended his football life. Star Spangled Rhythm (1942) RELATED:10 Witty Buddy Comedies To Watch If You Love 'Psych'. Munn says Frank Sinatra made him an honorary member of the Rat Pack after the two sang duets together for a laugh. Munn says he regrets turning down a marriage proposal from the beautiful Lynne Frederick, the tortured widow of Peter Sellers, and that Steve McQueen opened up to him on a secret four day motorcycle off-roading excursion. Jaguar Lives! > Photo Galleries I wanted to set the record straight, for Jim and all of us who admire his remarkable work and life. Much in the same vein as Phil Dunphy ofModern Family failing to understand what "WTF" stands for, Woody apparently believes "TMI" means "Tell More Information." He made more than sixty movies including his last film, The Quick and The Dead [1995]. And strangely enough, Duke Wayne who, over the years, you know, has made lots of pictures with Ford Duke Wayne has been at the bottom of the list, in the barrel, more than anybody else. This item is part of a JSTOR Collection. To answer your question: Hal Kanter is the only primary source to say that Jimmy had issue with the casting of Hal Williams. Its why Stewart agreed to campaign strongly for Reagan in 1966, despite feeling the candidate was not conservative enough as he had remained a Democrat until 1962. Jim and Duke upset distributors of the film for a scene in which the two are seated next to each other on a piano bench, jamming at the piano of a bar filled with dancers. Your email address will not be published. From Andre the Giant inThe Princess Brideto Roddy Piper inThey Livesto the expanding resumes of Dwayne The Rock Johnson and Dave Bautista to John Cena, pro wrestlers have found a way to transition to cinema. I do believe he love life and all Gods creations. WOODY STRODE TRIBUTE SPANISH FILMS 11K views James Caan on John Wayne filmSCHOOLarchive 2.4M views Jimmy Stewart is Delightfully Funny, FULL Interview on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show 1989. Even in his later films, like Vigilante (1982) and Jungle Warriors (1984), the 70 year-old Strode looks Jamie Greer joined LWOPW in 2015 and was the site's Managing Editor from 2016 through 2020. He served as a caregiver to Ford in his final years and was at Fords deathbed in 1973. Lee Marvin was impressed by Jimmys impassioned response: I liked Jimmy before that incident, but after it, I liked him a whole lot more.. TIMES STAFF WRITER. As an actor, Strode is forever tied to John Ford (see our Pepper Martin biography for some stories that involve both Strode and Ford). It was Donald Deweys 1997 biography of Jimmy Stewart [aff. Do you find this information helpful? Great Movies Collections TV/Streaming Interviews Movie Reviews Chaz's Journal Contributors Cast and Crew Woody Strode Find on IMDB. > Music Thanks for reading Brice! It was the dark side of the American dream..

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