Cowboy and ranch hand Jack Hoxie starred in silent films, including portraying Buffalo Bill

John Hoxie, who was born in the Indian Territory that subsequently became the State of Oklahoma, spent the majority of his formative years in Idaho. He learned riding, shooting, and roping techniques while working as a cowhand and rancher. He joined Richard Stanley's traveling Wild West Show in 1909 because he was tired of the traditional western cowboy pursuits. He participated as a bronc rider.

He received a role in a short silent film after four years. Before assuming the role of Lightning Bryce in the serials in 1919, he made appearances in around three dozen of these movies. He rose to fame in the 1920s, won over audiences, and played dramatic roles—almost exclusively in westerns. He shared the stage with a number of celebrities, including Fay Wray, Hoot Gibson, and Rin Tin Tin.

In 1926's The Last Frontier, he was among the first actors to represent Buffalo Bill Cody on screen. He resumed performing in traveling rodeos and Wild West exhibitions in the 1930s and did so until the 1950s. The former cowboy gave up ranching to pursue a career in entertainment, which he did up until his retirement in 1959.

Born: John Hartford Hoxie, January 11, 1885 Kingfisher Creek, Indian Territory, (Oklahoma), U.S.
Died: March 28, 1965 (aged 80)Elkhart, Kansas, U.S.