woody strode interview

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. 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. Thank you thank you thank you dear for this story, I am so so grateful for this. Watch Jim and Duke at the piano in the scene below: Sharing hotel, meals, and a piano jam session on and off film with Duke Ellington. The Cotton Club (1984) I wanted to set the record straight, for Jim and all of us who admire his remarkable work and life. Jungle Gents (1954) Jungle Man-Eaters (1954) On Fire (TV) (1987) Katerina is a List Writer here at Screen Rant with a background in literary criticism and creative writing. 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. Thankfully, the show never subjected Woody - or viewers - to that possibility. Excellent points Dennis, thanks for commenting! Unfortunately, anger at Jimmy Stewart is also the takeaway of less engaged readers of Michael Munns book. 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. > Canadian Hall of Fame Sergeant Rutledge (1960) The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. However Dewes book was published early in 1996 when Stewart was still alive. However, while on a trip to London, he caught her in bed with a wealthy night club owner named Siegi Sessler and again the relationship almost foundered. Woody Strode and Jimmy Stewart in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962). And he was dressed in blue overalls, a blue work shirt and boots. 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. 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. Thank you for reading! (1979) Euer Weg fhrt durch die Hlle (1984) Michael Munns dangerous habit of mixing truth with exaggeration and fallacy calls his alleged interview with. Regarding your claim that Jimmy made racist remarks about people in Vietnam: in my extensive research, Ive never found any evidence to support this. (See The American Creed video in my article above.). 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. Among other dubious claims, Munn insists that at age 17, he and Ava Gardner became lovers, not long after George Raft ran Munn over with his Rolls Royce, at which point they became close. Hal Kanter is our only primary source on the alleged conversation. The Pompey actor assessed: What a miserable film to make.. Even in his later films, like Vigilante (1982) and Jungle Warriors (1984), the 70 year-old Strode looks So, Stewart didnt ask that the part be re-written. The Last Voyage (1960 Hi Cheryl, thanks for reading! Aka:The Violent Breed An athlete turned actor, Strode was a top-notch decathlete and a football star at UCLA. But Woody's own behaviors raise plenty of questions about his intentions, including his admission that he's "been playing with dead things since [he] was a toddler.". But one anecdote Kanter shared has since been used as evidence that Jimmy Stewart was racist. Strode was a black cavalry officer on trial for rape and murder, and during the court-martial his story is recounted in flashback. Buruuba (1955) Woodrow Wilson Woolwine "Woody" Strode (July 25, 1914 - December 31, 1994) born in Los Angeles, was a football and track star at UCLA, playing alongside Jackie Robinson on the Bruins squad. But it still doesn't make a whole lot of sense for him to make his first logical leap either. Hi Rosemary, Thanks for reading! The season seven episode "Office Space" is another memorable episode in the series' run. His fellow Gold Dust Gang member Jackie Robinson would break the color barrier in Major League Baseball a year later in 1947. Woody Strode was a Black Indian (his grandmother was Black Cherokee and his grandfather was Black Muscogee) and an outstanding athlete. > WrestleMania, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Hockey injury led to wrestling for Karl Von Stroheim. Jimmy Stewart voiced his support for this goal in a 16 second radio campaign that played the week of February 16-23, 1947. His own words and actions, and the words of those who knew him, prove that Jimmy Stewart was not racist. For terms and use, please refer to our Terms and Conditions Thanks for reading, Luke. Woody Strode weighed 205 lbs (92 kg) when playing. Strode served in the Air Force from 1942 to 1946, including time in Guam and the Marianas where he unloaded bombs. Woody Strode movie reviews & film summaries | Roger Ebert. 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. Your email address will not be published. link] that first sparked rumors about the beloved stars beliefs. La collina degli stivali (1969) He died the following year at age 80. Never thought of them as brothers though. Aug 5: WWE SummerSlam, > Archives In 1946, Jimmy Stewart led a small group of stars who vocalized their support for brotherhood among all Americans. John Wayne was a supporter of Israel, but is known to have made several anti-Semitic remarks. After World War II Woody and Kenny Washington became the first blacks to play in the NFL. Thanks for commenting! His words, actions, and moral code prove the fallacy of any rumor to the contrary. Genghis Khan (1965) 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. Reviews. 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 . Then he asked someone to blow a whistle, which they did, and he called out, Everybody, would you please gather around? So they did. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Strode was a black cavalry officer on trial for rape and murder, and during the court-martial his story is recounted in flashback. He was not racist, and your essay more than demonstrates this. Then, when the steeds had halted, he tried to pick a punch up with his younger co-star. My grandparents were not especially anti-Semitic, but admitted they would not support Jewish political candidates. How many games did . 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. 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). Jimmy Stewart voiced his support for this goal in a 16 second radio campaign that played the week of February 16-23, 1947. Then he asked Stewart to come over. 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. At MGM there was a separate entrance and lunchroom for the black laborers and maids. Of course, Robinson would go on to break major league baseballs colour barrier in 1947. Munn is the author of over 25 books, most of which are built on the intimate and often shocking revelations that, according to Munn, these stars were all anxious to share with him. 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. > Career Records Even Munns publisher, Jeromy Robson of JR Books, admits to having seen only a few of Munns interview reference materials, and that for the most part, he must trust Munns good memory for dialogue as the only proof that any of these alleged interviews occurred. 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. And really, that says everything someone needs to know about Woody. > Movies & TV Stewart was of the same opinion. He wasnt just an athlete on a scholarship at UCLA, he was an academic. The official source for NFL news, video highlights, fantasy football, game-day coverage, schedules, stats, scores and more. De Mille (The Ten Commandments as the King of Ethiopia); Stanley Kubrick (Spartacus); and Sergio Leone (Once Upon a Time in the West). The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) The Stampeder supporters invaded Toronto and a national party was created. Warner Bros. wanted Sidney Poitier, but Ford pushed back, saying he wasnt tough enough to play Rutledge. Every old Hollywood fan should read this. Im delighted that you took the time too elaborate on its origins. Of course, their football rhythm had been broken up by World War II. Con Jock Mahoney, Woody Strode, Tsu Kobayashi, Earl Cameron. 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. Thanks to the passionate insistence of director Otto Preminger, the controversial scene stayed in the film [aff. According to Strode, John Ford then called the whole cast and crew over, and twisted the comment into something Jimmy Stewart never said. He became part of Hollywood lore after meeting director John Ford and becoming a part of the Ford "family," appearing in four Ford motion pictures. We dont know why Jimmy turned down Mockingbird. Shalako (1968) 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. Well researched! Che! The Lion Hunters (1951) Additionally, the. Also, he appeared in several episodes of the 1952-1954 television series Ramar of the Jungle, where he portrayed an African warrior. But its possible the interview never occurred. For nearly two decades he remained a pioneer against racism in the film and television industry. Razza violenta (1984) Tha Gatling Gun (1973) 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. Another reliable source for Woody Strodes feelings towards Jimmy Stewart is a, If we are to take Michael Munns 1976 interview with Woody Strode as fact, then Munns alleged interview with. 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. Aka: The Million Dollar Fire Thanks for your kind words, and for reading Damon! Frye admits as much at the end of the quote. 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. Aka: The Devils Backbone It is such a terrible rumor. Jimmy Stewart was a remarkable man who loved all his fellowman. Strode gave the Hollywood establishment what they demanded and appeared in some of the best and the worst of what they offered him. Id do that if I could. 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. How tall was Woody Strode? Strode was in City Beneath the Sea (1953) directed by Budd Boetticher, and The Royal African Rifles. No freeways. Next James Bond: Tom Hardy leapfrogged by 007 outsider, Robert Shaw Harrison Ford fury on Force 10 From Navarone 'total bull', John Wayne was really p***ed off: The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance was miserable shoot, John Wayne was constantly mocked by John Ford and even Jimmy Stewart was attacked too, Rio Bravo: Angie Dickinson on cute John Wayne being so different', Pompey star Woody Strode on John Wayne's left, John Wayne felt he couldn't hit back at John Ford since the director made him a star, John Wayne: The Searchers set revelation that saw John Ford speechless, How the West Was Won: Idiot drunk producer, near-death and more, John Wayne: Why Elvis turned down Dukes offer to co-star in Western, John Wayne: She Wore a Yellow Ribbon set feud that led to best scene, John Waynes final movie was NOT The Shootist Duke was in Star Wars, John Wayne never learnt his lesson over Hollywood roles. Woody Strode's extraordinary career led him from football field to wrestling ring to Hollywood. 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. Ive updated the section to include more facts specific to the show. Horror Safari (1982) 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. Mar 5: AEW Revolution Ravagers (1979) Thats my take. I read an article a few weeks ago about him being racist and I couldnt believe it. Born in Los Angeles in 1914, Woodrow Wilson Woolwine Strode died at age 80 on New Year's Eve 1994. When we won, we all got drunk. This man was the definition of a renaissance man, keep reading this article and you will understand exactly why. Semantic Scholar is a free, AI-powered research tool for scientific literature, based at the Allen Institute for AI. Tarzans Deadly Silence (1970), Ciakmull Luuomo della vendetta (1970) Spartacus (1991) He made more than sixty movies including his last film, The Quick and The Dead [1995]. He would retire from pro football after that first season. Thanks for your kind words, and for reading! Released two years before To Kill a Mockingbird, Rutledge is one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to address racism frankly. Where was Woody Strode born? Weve dissected the fallacies behind the rumor that Jimmy Stewart was a racist. Apr 16: Impact Rebellion So thank you for this I really really appreciate it. As a 70 year old black man who grew up watching and loving Jimmy Stewart i can only hope he wasnt a racist like so many Americans of his era ! Lets go behind the origin of the rumor that Jimmy Stewart was racist, and the evidence that refutes it. 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." So it's not entirely out of the ordinary for Woody to believe that they're siblings. > Music I do believe he love life and all Gods creations. I read that Stewart was a racist a few weeks ago and fell for it hook line and sinker. So this week, lets resolve to live in harmony with our fellow man.. Required fields are marked *. Cowboysan (1977) 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. I can go back to my original thought, that he wasnt racist. Seduto alla sua destra (1968) 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. Despite his romance with Dinah Shore in the 1940s Stewart was also known to express some mildly anti-Semitic views during the counterculture movement. Thanks again for reading, and thanks so much for commenting! However, cinematographer William H Clothier later said: There was one reason and one reason only Paramount was cutting costs. There's no easier way to put it: Woody is weird. Request Permissions. Tarzan and the Perils of Charity Jones (1967) 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. Otherwise, we would have been inMonument ValleyorBrackettvilleand we would have had colour stock. Woody Strode 22 languages View history Woodrow Wilson Woolwine Strode (July 25, 1914 - December 31, 1994) was an American athlete and actor. Spartacus is probably Strodes most famous role as the warrior Kirk Douglas refuses to kill. Thanks for commenting Rich! Shawn and Gus have been the best of friends ever since they were children, and maybe even since they were infants. Hulk Hogan peaked with his first entry inRocky III, while Jesse The Body Ventura became a reliable sideman in films like PredatorandThe Running Man, as well as other wrestlers like Diamond Dallas Page, Edge, John Morrison, and many more. Tarzan is summoned to protect him and he must face three tests of strength. Founded in 1969 and hailed by The New York Times as a journal in which the writings of many of todays finest black thinkers may be viewed, THE BLACK SCHOLAR has firmly established itself as the leading journal of black cultural and political thought in the United States and remains under the editorship of Robert Chrisman, Editor-In-Chief, Robert Allen, Senior Editor, and Maize Woodford, Executive Editor. He served as a caregiver to Ford in his final years and was at Fords deathbed in 1973. 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). Son of Sinbad (1955) Thanks for commenting. But that's what makes him such a great character. What is it whats the idea? And I said, I dont know!, And I didnt know, Stewart added. but i had also read the story of him sticking up for Strode, so I didnt know what to believe. Its such a demoralizing rumor. Colpo in canna (1975) In the absence of evidence to support your various claims about Jimmy Stewart, they cannot be taken as fact. Washington and Strode? And according to the actor, Ford froze, then walked away. Hi Yolanda, it is such a disturbing rumor. you have laid my thoughts about him to rest, and that he truly was a good, good man. Its further worth noting that in his 1990 autobiography [ aff. Thanks for reading! 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. 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? In 1941, he began working as a professional wrestler, and in 1946, he and Washington became the first two African-American football players to play in the NFL, when they signed with the Los Angeles Rams. Los tres desafos de Tarzn: Dirigido por Robert Day. Vigilante (1983) But i am so glad to find out it was not true. Under coach Les Lear, the young team made it to the Grey Cup, November 27, 1948, set to face the Ottawa Roughriders. Jimmy Stewart was not racist. He became part of Hollywood lore after meeting director John Ford and becoming a part of the Ford "family," appearing in four Ford motion pictures. Your email address will not be published. He often offers his opinions and most candid thoughts at the least appropriate moments. Woody acknowledges that he has a daughter he's worried about, but it's really the "43 Twitter followers who depend on" him that cross his mind when he's worried this might be it for him. 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. 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. Er verffentlichte theologische und philosophische Schriften, Arbeiten zur Musik, insbesondere zu Johann Sebastian Bach, sowie autobiographische Schriften in zahlreichen und vielbeachteten Werken.. He competed in track and field and played football as a tight-end at UCLA. Kingdom of the Spiders (1977) He played in the Pacific Coast Football League for the Hollywood Bears prior to enlisting in the US Air Force during World War II. We both gotta be professionals. It's also one that finds Woody being pulled into the action - albeit not as willingly or successfully as before. Strode praised Ford in a 1960 interview. Woody Strode was born in Los Angeles, CA. Interesting to see that there are actually people out there who are hell-bent on believing that Jimmy was racist. The Last Rebel (1971) 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. In Liberty Valance, a picture I did with Duke, Stewart recounted. May he forever RIP. Jim replied that he thought the costume made Strode look a bit too much like Uncle Remus.. Actor: Spartacus. Part African American and part Native American, Strodes first big break was in 1960s Spartacus, as the Ethiopian gladiator whose death sparks a rebellion. Strode also played the powerful gladiator who does battle with Kirk Douglas in Spartacus (1960)." Played . Afterwards, Lee Marvin remembered seeing both John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart lunge for the offending actor. Never had so much fun as I did in Canada. African American History: Research Guides & Websites, Global African History: Research Guides & Websites, African American Scientists and Technicians of the Manhattan Project, Envoys, Diplomatic Ministers, & Ambassadors, Education - Historically Black Colleges (HBCU), Political Activists - Radicals and Marxists, Foundation, Organization, and Corporate Supporters. Pork Chop Hill (1959) Great Movies Collections TV/Streaming Interviews Movie Reviews Chaz's Journal Contributors Cast and Crew Woody Strode Find on IMDB. Bride of the Gorilla (1951) And when we lost, we cried like babies.. The Black Scholar He majored in history and education. Caribbean (1952) A footnote in the life of a great man. 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. So yes, Woody's idea of the "snoafer" might not be the best concept in the world. 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. After Gus and Shawn are implicated in yet another murder scene, they scramble to cover up the evidence which Woody is already all too keenly aware of. 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. In the interview, Marvin relates an incident where Jimmy Stewart actively opposed the racist behavior of another actor on set. Thanks for reading Brian! Stewart was never rude to mehe was never rude to anyone. All Rights Reserved. Strode, 32 when he signed, never got a chance to prove himself and was released after one season. Strode almost singlehandedly won the 1948 Grey Cup for the team. 1995 Taylor & Francis, Ltd. There are different takes over why, including that he thought it was a better medium. In the Grey Cup game, Strode grabbed a misplayed lateral pass by Ottawa quarterback Peter Karpuk off the ground, and lumbered almost to the end zone. RELATED:Psych: Ranking The Main Characters By Intelligence. I was a big James Stewart fan until I read he was racist. 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. No Time for Love (1943) Martinelli, Outside Man (TV) (1977) Freedom, brotherhood, and equality were issues Jimmy Stewart clearly felt strongly about, for he returned to headline American Brotherhood Week the following year. Strode appeared in several subsequent Ford films, though never in a starring capacity. Now, I don't know if Mr Stewart has a prejudice against Negroes, but I just wanted you all to know about it., Stewart later said he wanted to crawl into a mouse hole after that and Wayne told him: Well, welcome to the club. Strode died in his sleep at his home in Glendora, California of lung cancer on December 31, 1994. Wrestling: Shocking Stories from the Squared Circle; Benoit: Wrestling with the Horror That Destroyed a Family and Crippled a Sport (with Steven Johnson, Heath McCoy and Irv Muchnick); He can be emailed at goliver845@gmail.com, you can follow him on Twitter @gregmep, and visit www.oliverbooks.ca. This unnamed actor used the n word to refer to Woody Strode. The stated primary focus of the 1947 campaign was: to enroll as many people as possible in the fight against racial intolerance, bigotry, and discrimination.. And he was dressed in blue overalls, a blue work shirt and boots. Theyre like father and son.. as a Black American, years ago, I read that Jimmy was racist. City Beneath the Sea (1953) As the two actors filmed an exterior shot on a horse-drawn cart, Wayne was close to losing control of the horses. Thanks for reading, James. Strode praised Ford in a 1960 interview. Aka: Scipio the African 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. Electric streetcars went everywhere. The answer is no. 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.