Haroun teboul biography of rory

Rory Calhoun

American film and television actor, screenwriter and producer
Date of Birth: 08.08.1922
Country: USA

Content:
  1. Early Life and Juvenile Delinquency
  2. Juvenile Delinquency and Incarceration
  3. Early Career in Hollywood
  4. Meeting Henry Willson and Rise to Stardom
  5. Publicity and Criminal Past
  6. Film Career
  7. Western and Other Genres
  8. Television Career
  9. Personal Life and Legacy
  10. Paternity Case
  11. Death and Recognition

Early Life and Juvenile Delinquency

Birth and Family

Francis Timothy McCown was born on August 8, 1922, in Los Angeles, California, but grew up in Santa Cruz, California. His father passed away when he was nine months old. His mother remarried, and he occasionally used his stepfather's surname, Durgin.

Juvenile Delinquency and Incarceration

At age 13, McCown's theft of a revolver led to his confinement in a juvenile detention center. He escaped but never disclosed the details. After robbing several jewelry stores, he stole a car and embarked on a cross-country crime spree. This resulted in a three-year sentence at a reformatory in Springfield, Missouri. McCown was later transferred to San Quentin Prison on additional charges.

Early Career in Hollywood

Chance Encounter with Alan Ladd

In 1943, McCown was riding a horse in Hollywood Hills when he serendipitously met actor Alan Ladd. Ladd's wife, an agent, arranged for him to play a small role in the comedy "The Bullfighters" (1945) under the name Frank McCown.

Meeting Henry Willson and Rise to Stardom

After the "The Bullfighters," Henry Willson, an agent known for grooming young actors, offered McCown a contract. He initially suggested the name Troy Donahue, but it was changed to Rory Calhoun, which became McCown's stage name. Willson polished Calhoun's image and demeanor.

Publicity and Criminal Past

In 1955, Willson revealed Calhoun's prison years. Surprisingly, this information enhanced his "bad boy" image and contributed to his masculinity. Calhoun's towering height of 6'3" and athletic physique added to his appeal.

Film Career

Early Success and Studio Loans

Calhoun's first public appearance was at the premiere of "Spellbound" (1945), where he escorted Lana Turner. David Selznick loaned his new actor to other studios, leading to roles in "Adventure Island" (1951), "The Red House" (1947), and "That Hagen Girl" (1948).

Western and Other Genres

Calhoun's career flourished in westerns, musicals, romantic comedies, and crime dramas. He co-starred with Gene Tierney in "Gaucho" (1952), Susan Hayward in "With a Song in My Heart" (1952), Marilyn Monroe in "How to Marry a Millionaire" (1953) and "River of No Return" (1954).

Television Career

"The Texan" and Later Roles

In 1955, Calhoun made his television debut. He gained prominence in the popular western series "The Texan" (1958-1960). His filmography includes over 120 roles, with the last ones filmed in 1993.

Personal Life and Legacy

Marriages and Family

Calhoun was married twice and had four daughters. He divorced actress Lita Baron in 1970 after 22 years of marriage and remarried journalist Sue Rhodes in 1971. Sue remained with him until his passing.

Paternity Case

In 1966, actress Vitina Marcus filed a paternity suit against Calhoun, claiming he was the father of her seven-year-old daughter, Nathena. The case was settled for an undisclosed amount.

Death and Recognition

Rory Calhoun passed away on April 28, 1999, at age 76, in Burbank, California, from complications of diabetes and emphysema. He received two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for film and one for television.