Ranch hand and cowboy Will Rogers became an entertainer, writer, actor, and humorist
The renowned American comedian Will Rogers was raised on a working ranch in the Indian Territory, where he was born. He relocated to Argentina in 1901 with the intention of establishing his own ranch in the pampas. He relocated to South Africa after that business collapsed, where he later claimed to have made a fortune by breaking horses for the British Army. There, he employed his trick-roping abilities to land a job with a circus. Rogers then relocated to Australia and another circus where he performed riding and rope stunts. He came back to the country in 1904.
Rogers attempted vaudeville after losing interest in ranching. He was a popular performer in New York before World War I, appearing in places like Madison Square Garden and the Florenz Ziegfeld-owned New Amsterdam Theatre. He quickly made his movie debut, playing relatively small roles during the silent movie era. He became famous once sound arrived. By 1935, 40 million people were reading his syndicated newspaper column, which was published every day. He also rose to prominence as a radio star.
In politics, entertainment, and social issues in America, Rogers rose to prominence. He promoted commercial aviation, making friends with Wiley Post and Charles Lindbergh along the way. When their aircraft crashed in August 1935, killing both of them, he was traveling with the latter. In the early 20th century, no other western figure enjoyed greater popularity or influence in America.
Born: William Penn Adair Rogers, November 4, 1879, Oologah, Indian Territory
Died: August 15, 1935 (aged 55)Point Barrow, Alaska Territory, U.S.
