woody strode interview woody strode interview

Tarzans Fight for Life (1958) Strode praised Ford in a 1960 interview. Tarzans Deadly Silence (1970), Ciakmull Luuomo della vendetta (1970) 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. 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. Michael Munns dangerous habit of mixing truth with exaggeration and fallacy calls his alleged interview with. He served as a caregiver to Ford in his final years and was at Ford's deathbed in 1973. Im so glad that you decided to do your own research, and that you came across my article. And he was dressed in blue overalls, a blue work shirt and boots. best of friends ever since they were children, Psych 2: Lassie Come Home: 10 Easter Eggs You Totally Missed. Strode almost singlehandedly won the 1948 Grey Cup for the team. Im glad that it clears up that rumor about him. The same year he broke into pro wrestling, he also got his start in Hollywood, making his debut in the 1941 filmSundown. And late Hollywood legend James Stewart got to watch their dynamic up close. Munn insists that he was the confidant of nearly every great Classic Hollywood Star, a declaration he made only after all of these stars passed. 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. He made more than sixty movies including his last film, The Quick and The Dead [1995]. What is it whats the idea? And I said, I dont know!, And I didnt know, Stewart added. link]. Strodes riveting presence among a trio of hired gunslingers waiting at the train station in the spaghetti western, Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), is unforgettable. Given his love of talking too much, and going entirely too in depth on the worst subjects, that's not a surprise at all. Santa Barbara Coroner Woodrow "Woody" Strode may have been a late addition to the world ofPsych, but there's no denying that he's arguably one of the series' weirdest and most memorable characters. Im glad you made it.. All Rights Reserved. I'm glad you made it.. To promote Brotherhood Week, Jimmy Stewart opened and closed a 3 minute trailer that played before feature films at theaters across the United States. 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. Woody Strode weighed 205 lbs (92 kg) when playing. Lee Marvin was impressed by Jimmys impassioned response: I liked Jimmy before that incident, but after it, I liked him a whole lot more.. But Stewart, an Oscar winner known for such timeless hits as The Philadelphia Story, Vertigo and Mr. Ford was so impressed with Strode, he gave him the starring role in 1960's Sergeant Rutledge, a Technicolor Western about a U.S. Cavalry sergeant falsely accused of raping a white woman and . Sharing hotel, meals, and a piano jam session on and off film with Duke Ellington. Was Jimmy Stewart Racist? Then he asked someone to blow a whistle, which they did, and he called out, Everybody, would you please gather around? So they did. Wayne and Stewart felt Johnson had destroyed the United States with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. So yes, Woody's idea of the "snoafer" might not be the best concept in the world. Unfortunately, anger at Jimmy Stewart is also the takeaway of less engaged readers of Michael Munns book. As they were preparing to shoot, Ford came up to Stewart and asked, What do you think of Woodys costume?. As already mentioned, Woody has a real hard time knowing when to keep from over sharing. In this, the last interview Strode ever gave, he expresses only respect for Jimmy Stewart, calling Jim one of the screens greatest actors.. Which is sort of remarkable, because they love each other. He's also written for Pro Wrestling Illustrated, WrestleZone, The Windsor Star, and other publications. The Sins of Rachel Cade (1961) 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. Tarzans Three Challenges (1963) Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. The season eight episode "Someone's Got A Woody" finds poor Woody being held captive in the morgue, even as he works to help prove his abductor's innocence. Working with quarterback Keith Spaith, he excelled as a receiver, and did double duty on the defensive side as an end as the Stamps compiled an unbeaten record. Caribbean (1952) And I looked at Duke Wayne, and he was beaming like a cat that had just eaten the mouse And Duke came over, and said, Well, welcome to the club. According to Strode, John Ford then called the whole cast and crew over, and twisted the comment into something Jimmy Stewart never said. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. 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.. The Lion Hunters (1951) Strode was a star in Italy, where he lived between 1969 and 1973. 10 Witty Buddy Comedies To Watch If You Love 'Psych', Psych: Ranking The Main Characters By Intelligence. Ive updated the section to include more facts specific to the show. Despite these flaws, Kanters anecdote is cited as evidence that Jimmy Stewart was racist. The Alleged Woody Strode Interview Michael Munn's dangerous habit of mixing truth with exaggeration and fallacy calls his alleged interview with Woody Strode into question. > Movies & TV Born in Los Angeles in 1914, Woodrow Wilson Woolwine Strode died at age 80 on New Year's Eve 1994. I have watched his films since I was a teenager and hoped that this rumor was untrue. Thats my take. Actor: Spartacus. 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. When Strode tried to help him, Duke knocked his co-star away. But that's what makes him such a great character. The evidence proves that Jim was not racist. 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. Even in his later films, like Vigilante (1982) and Jungle Warriors (1984), the 70 year-old Strode looks According to Peter Fonda, the sheer fact that Jimmy Stewart was best friends with Peters father. Jimmy Stewart was not racist. Tha Gatling Gun (1973) Jimmy Stewart voiced his support for this goal in a 16 second radio campaign that played the week of February 16-23, 1947. An athlete turned actor, Strode was a top-notch decathlete and a football star at UCLA. In the interview, Marvin relates an incident where Jimmy Stewart actively opposed the racist behavior of another actor on set. Strode was in City Beneath the Sea (1953) directed by Budd Boetticher, and The Royal African Rifles. Perhaps, Henry Fondas daughter Ms Jane Fonda would be perfect to obtain a definitive comment. He was always magnificent with a no-nonsense style and quiet intellect that no athlete-turned actor has ever surpassed. Jungle Man-Eaters (1954) But one anecdote Kanter shared has since been used as evidence that Jimmy Stewart was racist. He majored in history and education. 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. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. He shared a story from the set of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Fords 1962 film about an attorney (Stewart) who, robbed and left for dead by a notorious outlaw, is saved by a rancher (Wayne) and has to start over from scratch. Every old Hollywood fan should read this. Before becoming one of the first big, black movie stars thanks in large part to legendary director John Fords faith in him Woody Strode was a star on the gridiron. 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). Winterhawk (1975) Katharine Hepburn & Woman of the Year, Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chickpeas and Tarragon Tahini. 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. Terrible rumors about Jimmy Stewarts beliefs have sprung from an interview that possibly never occurred. Colpo in canna (1975) Strode was a college track and football star at UCLA, one of the first Blacks to integrate the NFL, a professional wrestler, a Golden Globe nominated actor, and a WWII veteran. 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. But it still doesn't make a whole lot of sense for him to make his first logical leap either. The Gambler from Natchez (1954) > Photo Galleries Thanks for reading David! That never happens in a more hilarious manner than during a conversation with Henry Spencer about his sonwho Woody believes is Gus. I might have to kill you. He appeared in any number of other films, among them The Ten Commandments (1956). 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. But Kanter says that Jimmy mixed up the roles: he explained to Jim that Hal Williams had not been cast as a police officer, but as an FBI agent in a different episode. And, as my article highlights, Hal Williams was not in fact fired from The Jimmy Stewart Show, and he does play a police officer in episode 6. In 1946, Jimmy Stewart led a small group of stars who vocalized their support for brotherhood among all Americans. Thanks for reading! Actually, I had been rassling in the off-season anyhow, Strode told the late, great Canadian newspaper columnist Jim Proudfoot. The spiritual leader of an oriental country is dying. It is known that Stewart made racist remarks about people in Vietnam, and he also strongly campaigned for Barry Goldwater in 1964 after the senator had voted against the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Jim spoke of his Hollywood career in a series of interviews with journalist James Bawden between 1971 and 1983 [aff. Bill Fryes exact words to biographer Marc Elliot about Jim turning down Mockingbird were: He turned down To Kill a Mockingbird because he felt the racial thing was too controversialtoo liberal really, but he would never say it that way.. Id play a Viking with blue contact lenses and a blond wig if I could. (Proving the point: In Androcles and the Lion, Strode actually dressed as the lion.). Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. 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. This story first appeared in the Nov. 3 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. If she's not ranting about characters who deserved better or typing away at one of her many fan fiction epics, she's probably asleep. There are different takes over why, including that he thought it was a better medium. Born in Los Angeles on July 28, 1914, with his mother a full-blooded Blackfoot, Woodrow Wilson Woolwine Strode grew into a solid 6-foot-4-1/2, 220-pound stud. Apr 2: WWE WrestleMania In 1990, Strodes autobiography, Goal Dust, was published. Of course, their football rhythm had been broken up by World War II. In a gold-yielding town under a gang's reign of terror, an unusual alliance is forming -- between the townspeople, gunmen, and circus performers.1969 Spaghet. Jimmy Stewart was not racist. 1995 Taylor & Francis, Ltd. As James Stewart explained it, Woody Strode, the actor who was playing Waynes characters best friend, was part of the scene. I can go back to my original thought, that he wasnt racist. But I gradually learned L.A. was heavily segregated. Posse (1993) The Ravagers, The Professionals) Fall victim to a spider attack, entomologist Diane Ashley (Tiffany Bolling, Wild Party) arrives and tries to help Rack deal with the crisis. He had not a problem with a white guy playing the police officer giving Jimmys character a tongue-lashing. With a bizarre range of habits and tendencies, Woody would be a lot to handle if he were either a real person, or the series' main character. Apparently, that tendency to over share can get even worse than what viewers are already used to. No freeways. Thanks to the passionate insistence of director Otto Preminger, the controversial scene stayed in the film [aff. This item is part of a JSTOR Collection. (Episode 6). According to Strode, John Ford then called the whole cast and crew over, and twisted the comment into something Jimmy Stewart never said. Pompey actor Woody Strode remembered that Ford "kept needling Duke about his failure to make it as a football player", comparing him to Strode who was a former NFL player. Jimmy Stewart has deserved an article like this for a long time. La collina degli stivali (1969) Michael Munns dangerous habit of mixing truth with exaggeration and fallacy calls his alleged interview with Woody Strode into question. 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. 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.. 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. We need him!, In the end, Wayne told Strode: We gotta work together. you have laid my thoughts about him to rest, and that he truly was a good, good man. Katerina is a List Writer here at Screen Rant with a background in literary criticism and creative writing. I was too young at the time to realize Ford was using me to get at Stewart. Jim replied that he thought the costume made Strode look a bit too much like Uncle Remus.. But as a key supporting player, Woody is absolutely perfect, and his many oddities are all the more welcome because of that. Thanks again for reading, and thanks so much for commenting! Ravagers (1979) Aka: The Last Warrior In 1962, he retired from pro wrestling to concentrate on his film career, which exploded after his role in John Fords Sergeant Rutledge, and then his first starring role in the Western The Professionalsthat starred Lee Marvin and Burt Lancaster in 1966. According to Woody, he's even less in control of himself, and all of his faculties, when tickling is involved. 20072023 Blackpast.org. Im so happy you came across my article. I just started to do it full-time in 1951.. "I know Gus well." "Shawn." "Him too. Required fields are marked *. It took skill to do that fight scene without actually hurting myself or hurting Douglas., Kirk Douglas faces off with Woody Strode in Spartacus, He left for Italy in 1969, frustrated with the lack of meaty roles as an African-American. 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. 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. For nearly two decades he remained a pioneer against racism in the film and television industry. I almost fell for that rumor , but to just listen to Mr. Stewarts interview i know in my heart that he was not a racist. Actors Woody Strode and Lee Marvin, who also collaborated four years earlier in "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance," are seen chatting in Death Valley while filming director Richard Brooks . (A small role in 1941s Sundown marked his actual debut.) His own words and actions, and the words of those who knew him, prove that Jimmy Stewart was not racist. Lust in the Dust (1985) Aka: Black Jesus Racism comes in different shapes and forms, as does the label racist. Your article doesnt refute Kanters supposed claim that Stewarts character, even though he may have confused roles, was nonetheless uncomfortable about being lectured by a black character. That year, he would head to Canada to work for Stu Hart in his Klondike Wrestling promotion in Calgary, Alberta (later renamed Stampede Wrestling), before returning to the US to work for his hometown NWA Los Angeles. 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. He died the following year at age 80. May Mr. Stewart Rest In Peace. 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. THRs review of Sergeant Rutledge on April 8, 1960, Stephanie Hsu Hopes Breakthrough Indie Spirit Award Will Protect That Freak Flag, Roald Dahl Publisher Bends to Controversy, Will Release Classic Version of Controversial Kids Books, Andrea Riseborough: Oscars Most Talked-About Nominee Breaks Her Silence, Film Independent Spirit Awards: Winners List (Updating Live), Spirit Awards: Everything Everywhere All at Once Starts With a Bang, The Bear Wins First TV Award, Spirit Awards: Ke Huy Quan Thanks His Everything Everywhere All at Once Family in Best Supporting Performance Acceptance Speech, Spirit Awards: Hasan Minhaj Pokes Fun at IFC for Not Broadcasting Ceremony, How to Watch the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards Livestream, Star Hairstylist Jen Atkin Reveals Must-Have Hair Tools, Tutorials and Pro Tips In New MasterClass, Rihannas Puma x Fenty Is Coming Back Heres Where You Can Still Buy Those Cult-Fave Creepers, The Best Bridesmaid Dresses for Every Budget, From Under-$100 Gowns to Hollywood-Inspired Classics, BTS Army: Heres When and Where Legos Dynamite-Inspired Set Arrives Online and In Stores, The Big Lebowski Turns 25: People Didnt Get It, Jeff Bridges Recalls, How the Landscape of Native-Led Stories Has Changed Between Avatars: Were Flexing Our Sovereignty, The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News. RELATED:10 Witty Buddy Comedies To Watch If You Love 'Psych'. LUltimo guerriero (1984) debut in 1941 in Henry Hathaway' s Sundown. The Revengers (1972) Strode as a member of the Calgary Stampeders. Woody Strode was a Black Indian (his grandmother was Black Cherokee and his grandfather was Black Muscogee) and an outstanding athlete. Strode died in his sleep at his home in Glendora, California of lung cancer on December 31, 1994. It changed my outlook on many other things and renewed my faith in mankind, thank you. After livestock belonging to Rack's friend Walter Colby (Woody Strode, The Italian connection. Hal Kanter is our only primary source to say that Jimmy had an issue with the casting of Hal Williams. In 2020, Bob Glauber, a Newsday reporter, wanted to write a book about Kenny Washington and Woody Strode, whose signings to the Los Angeles Rams in 1946 broke an effective ban on Black players. Woody Strode, the square-jawed, muscular former UCLA athlete who became a character actor with supporting roles in films for nearly a half century, has . He served as a caregiver to Ford in his final years and was at Fords deathbed in 1973. Its a trip McQueens wife insists never happened, but nonetheless forms the basis of Munns biography on McQueen, which critics have called preposterous. And when David Nivens son asked for the tapes that Munn swears he recorded of Nivens deathbed confessions, Munn ultimately admitted that his tape recorder had, conveniently, chewed them up years ago. As the two actors filmed an exterior shot on a horse-drawn cart, Wayne was close to losing control of the horses. Interesting to see that there are actually people out there who are hell-bent on believing that Jimmy was racist. Lets not allow an unsubstantiated rumor to tarnish the reputation of one of the few Hollywood stars worthy of our complete respect and admiration. The Black Stallion Returns (1983) I want to thank you for your research into one of my favorite actors. Released two years before To Kill a Mockingbird, Rutledge is one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to address racism frankly. Then he asked Stewart to come over. Aka: Boot Hill The couple would have a son and a daughter to compliment Kalaeloas two sons from a previous marriage. Munn claims that he and Laurence Olivier were great friends, and that Olivier nicknamed him Eminem decades before rapper Marshall Mathers adopted the moniker. Michael Munns books are unreliable. La spina dorsale del diavolo (1971) 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. On top of this, Reese actor Lee Van Clef who went on to star in Clint Eastwood Spaghetti Westerns said that Ford resented the meddling and so would take out his annoyance on Wayne, whose casting as Doniphon was demanded by the studio. In 1939 he played for one of UCLA's greatest football teams ever, alongside future baseball legend Jackie Robinson. Im delighted that you took the time too elaborate on its origins. Halfway through filming, Duke even asked Stewart why he wasnt being targeted by Fords insults too, which other members of the cast and crew had noticed. The Buccaneer (1958) It was Donald Deweys 1997 biography of Jimmy Stewart [aff. Strode lived in Italy for five years and made 12 films there. As Kanter recalled, Jim didnt like the idea of a black police officer lecturing him on television, and threatened to use his casting approval to get Hal Williams out of the show. The Professionals (1966) So glad that Mr. Stewart was not a racist. Additionally, the. Key West (TV) (1973) So it's not entirely out of the ordinary for Woody to believe that they're siblings. Strode is perhaps best remembered as the stoic slave gladiator in Spartacus (1960) who tells Kirk Douglas: I dont want to be your friend. He often offers his opinions and most candid thoughts at the least appropriate moments. Thanks for setting me straight. Period. Though well into middle-age in films like Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) and The Deserter (1971), Strode still looks extraordinarily vital, fitter than most men half his age. Thanks for reading Brice! Where was Woody Strode born? According to Peter Fonda, the sheer fact that Jimmy Stewart was best friends with Peters father, Henry Fonda, proves that Jim was not racist. Woody Strode's extraordinary career led him from football field to wrestling ring to Hollywood. For his book, Dewey interviewed the producer of Jimmys 1971 television show, writer Hal Kanter. Michael Munns integrity as a biographer has been questioned. Then, when the steeds had halted, he tried to pick a punch up with his younger co-star. It was Ford who cast Strode in the lead role in Sergeant Rutledge. Hi James, thanks for commenting. That means everything, working with a man like that. Ford and Strode would also work together on Two Rode Together, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Required fields are marked *. 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. God bless. Strode also played the powerful gladiator who does battle with Kirk Douglas in Spartacus (1960)." Played . At MGM there was a separate entrance and lunchroom for the black laborers and maids. 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. 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. All I heard was Ford saying that Stewart didnt like Negroes, and that made me mad at Stewart, and Stewart was just even more uncomfortable around me.. 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. 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. Woody eventually becomes a major player in the world ofPsych, but he's also clearly not part of the main friendship group for most of the series' run. So, Stewart didnt ask that the part be re-written. Jim and Duke got to know each other during filming in Marquette County, Michigan, where the entire company stayed at the same hotel and shared meals. 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. A rumor casts a shadow on the legacy of Jimmy Stewart. Jim hit it off particularly well with Duke Ellington during filming of 1959s Anatomy of a Murder, for which Ellington made history as the first black musician to compose the score for a major Hollywood production. Electric streetcars went everywhere. He majored in history and education. I am a black American who was heartbroken when I heard this aweful rumor. Terrible rumors about Jimmy Stewarts beliefs have sprung from an interview that possibly never occurred. 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. 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 His wrestling career lasted until 1960, but by 1952, Strode had started getting movie parts.