Art Acord American silent film actor and rodeo champion Date of Birth: 17.04.1890 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Rodeo Career
2. Show Business and World War I
3. Wartime Heroism and Film Stardom
4. Decline and Tragic End

Early Life and Rodeo Career

Artemus Ward "Art" Acord was born in Glenwood, Utah, to a Mormon family. Growing up on a ranch, he developed exceptional cowboy skills that earned him victories at the World Bulldogging Championships in 1912 and 1916. Acord also achieved the rare feat of riding legendary bucking horse Steamboat for a full eight seconds.

Show Business and World War I

While working for the Miller Brothers' 101 Ranch Wild West Show, Acord honed his cowboy abilities and befriended fellow cinematic cowboys Tom Mix, Bee Ho Gray, and Hoot Gibson. Transitioning to film, Acord became a Western movie star known as the "Cowboy Mormon." He employed his rodeo championship skills in stunts and screenplay writing, appearing in over 100 short films, few of which survive.

Wartime Heroism and Film Stardom

During World War I, Acord served in the United States Army and earned the French Croix de Guerre for bravery. Returning to filmmaking after the war, he starred in the Buck Parvin series. Time has claimed most of these films, but "The Extra Man and the Milk-Fed Lion" remains extant.

Decline and Tragic End

Acord struggled to adapt to the advent of sound films and developed severe alcoholism. He performed with traveling shows and worked in Mexican mines, where he committed suicide. His body was returned to California for burial with military honors.