George Montgomery American artist, sculptor and stuntman who rose to fame as an actor Date of Birth: 29.08.1916 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Career
2. Breakthrough with Republic Pictures
3. Hollywood Stardom
4. Military Service
5. Artistic Endeavors
6. Later Career
7. Legacy

Early Life and Career

Born on August 29, 1916, in Brady, Montana, George Montgomery Letz was the youngest of 15 children of Jewish-Ukrainian immigrants. Growing up on a cattle ranch, he developed exceptional equestrian and ranching skills. After attending the University of Montana briefly, Letz headed to Hollywood to pursue acting. His cowboy abilities earned him a job as a stuntman and an uncredited role in the 1935 film "The Singing Vagabond."

Breakthrough with Republic Pictures

From 1937 to 1939, Letz appeared in 27 mostly low-budget films under the name George Letz, often doubling as a stuntman. He frequently starred alongside Gene Autry, a popular Western star. In 1940, Letz joined 20th Century Fox, rebranding as George Montgomery.

Hollywood Stardom

With 20th Century Fox, Montgomery transitioned to starring roles in Westerns. He appeared in "The Cisco Kid and the Lady," "Star Dust," "Young People," "Jennie," and "The Cowboy and the Blonde." He also starred alongside Gene Tierney in "China Girl," played a jazz musician in "Orchestra Wives," and co-starred with Ginger Rogers in "Roxie Hart." In 1943, he partnered with Betty Grable in "Coney Island."

Military Service

World War II interrupted Montgomery's career. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1943 and married singer Dinah Shore in December of that year. They had a daughter, Melissa, in 1948, and adopted a son, John David, in 1954. The couple divorced in 1963 amid a sensational murder-for-hire case involving Montgomery's housekeeper.

Artistic Endeavors

In addition to acting, Montgomery was a skilled woodworker and furniture maker. His hobby turned into a business, and he crafted fine furniture for himself and others. He also taught himself bronze casting and created approximately 50 sculptures, including works featuring fellow actors and his family.

Later Career

Montgomery continued acting in films and guest-starring on television through 1974. In 1958-1959, he starred in his own Western television series, "Cimarron City." He returned to the screen in 1984 and 1986 before retiring.

Legacy

Throughout his career, George Montgomery appeared in over 100 films and television shows. He is remembered as a charismatic Western star and a skilled artist. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to television. Montgomery passed away on December 12, 2000, at the age of 84, on his ranch in Rancho Mirage, California.