Ben Johnson's Grave & Hollywood Story!
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- Опубліковано 29 сер 2021
- If you are a fan of Western Movies then there is no doubt that you are familiar with Ben Johnson. He never set out to become a Hollywood Star but but his authenticity as a cowboy was needed after he took a chance encounter delivering horses to a movie set in Arizona. His career spanned some 300 films and was as true of a cowboy as you could possibly get!
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In 1953 Ben won the Team Roping Championship. At 6:22 into this video you will also see a poster with the other champions of that year. On the far left you will see Todd Whatley who was the Bull Riding Champion. He has a very sad story and we visited his grave when we visited Lane Frost because they are in the same cemetery. ua-cam.com/video/vrb_JG5rBOk/v-deo.html
Lane Frost and I were up in the bull riding in Buffalo, MN during a Sunday matinee in July of 1989. He asked me if I had any black rosin. Lane won the bull riding with a pretty good bull and he spurred the heck out of him, and I took home some day money (meaning I rode my bull but the points weren’t high enough to place). Lane, was killed a few weeks after that. I probably would have forgotten that rodeo like most of the rest, but it was my memory of seeing him alive for the last time.
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I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Johnson in the mid 80s in the waiting room of an orthopedic surgeon in L.A.. I noticed a hand walk by me, I couldn't miss that gold buckle he wore; something you didn't often see in L.A.. I was a P.R.C.A. permit holder bull rider at the time, I was there waiting to see the doctor for a follow up to a shoulder surgery.
Mr. Johnson was a very nice man just like his many characters he portrayed. It was a good day that day I met him.
I watched Mr. Johnson in westerns most of my life. He is without a doubt a real man, cowboy and an all around decent human being. If you watched him in a movie he was just being himself. Thank you very much for letting us see what a real cowboy is like
You're right about that. He certainly was the real deal and it showed. I also thought he was relatable and he seemed like someone I would know. Thank you for watching!
My favoite line of his was from Major Dundee: "You may not no it, but you're fixin'' to get tried..."@@RhettyforHistory
It seemed like Johnson downplayed his achievements as an actor, but the truth is, he is one of my favorite actors precisely because he was so real and natural onscreen. In that respect he is similar to my other favorites, including Spencer Tracy and LeVar Burton (An odd assortment from different eras and genres, I realize, and yet they all exude that same relatable quality in a simple yet masterful way.)
A true cowboy.
Soft-spoken, tough as nails and as genuine as a man could get.
Love Ben Johnson.
He was certainly one of the greats! Thank you for watching!
Who else would they cast as Cap Rountree?
John Wayne made great westerns; Ben Johnson made John Wayne's westerns great.
They had great chemistry together on and off the silver screen. Thank you for watching!
Yep you hit on dead on
Ben Johnson was one of my favorites, because, his honesty, and integrity, showed through as both, a likable person and an experienced cowboy. His line, about "no one playing a better Ben Johnson than him", was true, and at the same time, was what made him great. Any part Johnson played, was very convincing, and his at ease, and relaxed, attitude sold the part completely. Any movie with Ben Johnson in it, is worth watching.
You're right. For the most part when he acted a role out you could relate to him and even felt like you knew him. So far there hasn't been another quite like him. Thank you for watching!
Spot on guys. Must admit my favourite Western movie is One Eyed Jacks where Ben plays bank robber Bob Amory. Yes he could play heroes and villains with ultimate ease.
Ben was the real deal. What you saw was what you got. His name was never as well known as The Duke, but you knew who he was as soon as you saw him on the big screen. Thanks for the story.
You're right about that. He was really relatable and you felt like he was someone you might know. So far there hasn't been another like him. Thank you for watching!
Ben Johnson would be a worthy role model for a young man coming up.
Yes he would. He was a humble man and his success didn't change who he was. Thank you for watching Keny.
Many stars of the old westerns would be.
"U not gon drink that in here sodbuster, u thought u were gonna come in here and drink with the men"
I loved Ben, he was a true blue man whose character shined through in his life and his film roles.👍
I do believe you are correct on that. Thank you so much for watching!
John Wayne invited me aboard his "wild goose" ship while at Friday Harbor docks. When I walked into rear state room, leaning elbows on fancy bar was Ben Johnson! I immediately said, "my dad thinks your the best horseman in all Hollywood! Ben smiles, but John Wayne says, "your father is a smart man", raised his glass an all toasted my father! Then Ben Johnson asked me, "who do you think was best Hollywood horseman of all time? I said," I think Glenn Ford sat a saddle as good as anyone! An they all toasted Glenn Ford!
I loved watching Ben Johnson. You could tell that he was authentic, not just a movie cowboy. Thank you for this interesting video on one of my favorite cowboy stars!
You're welcome. He truly was the real deal and we've never had another like him. Thank you for watching Leslie!
YOU GOT THAT RIGHT FOR REAL
Every movie he was in, was a good one. He didn't seem to be acting, it was a part he played every day of his life, his self.
He certainly said that's what he did. He was in a ton of great movies and many of them I have seen numerous times! Thank you for watching Patricia!
Nothing better than a Western starring John Wayne AND Ben Johnson.
You're right! They were some of the best! Thank you for watching Mike!
You just can't help but to appreciate the genuine article. My Grandfather worked and preformed for the "101" ranch and there are a couple of pictures of him and Ben Sr. and Son in the Cowboy Hall of Fame. God Bless Everyone!
That's very interesting especially knowing the history with the 101 too. Thank you for watching and sharing that.
I knew the first time I saw him that Ben Johnson was the real deal, a cowboy and horseman. Have loved watching him since I was little. Thank you for a great tribute.
You're welcome and thank you for watching. Ben sure entertained us a lot and I still watch his films.
I was thrilled and so blessed to be able to interview Ben in his award and memorabilia filled home a couple months before he passed. Such a genuine man of the true cowboy culture and American spirit. That kind and so recognizable voice . I knew I had the honor of being in his presence ...for what possibly was his last interview..
You were certainly fortunate. I never had the pleasure or honor of meeting him but I'm a big fan of his work and legacy. Thank you for watching.
Ben Johnson elevated the cast and movie of every movie he was in.
You're right! He was a great addition to any movie. Thank you for watching!
I loved watching Ben and Wayne together , I still watch their movies. The stuff today isn't fit to watch. I new an old man that lived down the way from me that lived down near the ranch they talked about in Arizona, he did some banking for Wayne back then. I'll miss him along with all these older actors.
The two of them were certainly certainly great pair and it's clear they had chemistry on and off screen. Thank you for watching Jim!
Was that the 26- in Eager, Az?
He has always been one of my favorite actors. He always seemed so real.
Yes he did. Thank you for watching Larry!
Ben wasn't acting when the camera was rolling. Ben was just being Ben. A true natural man who fit into the westerns of his days like a jig saw puzzle. He brought a certain realism to every character he played. You could tell he was his father's son. You will always be a part of our lives.... Ben. God bless.
He was certainly one of the natural greats in Hollywood! I sure haven't seen anyone else like him since. Thank you for watching!
The Last Picture Show is a classic and Ben was terrific, deserved the Academy Award.
Yes he did! He had a lot of great movies! Thank you for watching!
Ben Johnson was one of my all time favorite actors. Nobody sat a horse like him. He was the real deal. Watching him in the Sackets controlling his horse with his fingers on the reins without having to give any thought to it. I enjoyed this video very much, and thank you for doing it, and another one you did quite a while back, another great actor, Will Sampson Two of my many favorites.
Will was another great actor and he had a lot of talent in many things. I sure thought he was taken way too soon. Thank you for watching George and I'm glad to hear you enjoyed this video.
I love how you dig up these stories that many of us would never know about. Thank you for bringing them to us.
You're welcome and I'm glad you are enjoying the stories. Thank you so much for watching!
A family friend was an extra in The Last Picture Show and he said the two most approachable, down to earth and friendly actors during filming were Cloris Leachman and Ben Johnson.
Both never failed to say hello in passing or stop and visit if chance permitted.
Thanks for making this video, a fitting tribute to a true Cowboy and gentleman .
I've never heard a person speak badly about Ben and have heard the same things that your friend stated. That's good to hear about Leachman too. Thank you for watching and telling about about their real life characters.
@@RhettyforHistory my friend said that Leachman also had a real ribald sense of humor, just loved to laugh and carry on with everyone
That's also great to hear! It's neat that he was an extra in a movie that gave Ben an Oscar
Ben Johnson and John Wayne had a great chemistry together. I can't think of any town in Oklahoma that is more beautiful and interesting than Pawhuska.
You're right about that. There is a lot of history there. Thank you for watching!
I have always liked Ben Johnson Jr. All of this was new information and very interesting!
He was such a great actor and many of his movies I have seen multiple times. Thank you for watching Ramona!
Wagon Master, was the first movie I remember seeing Ben Johnson in. He was always one of my favorite Cowboy actors. His portrayal of Cap Roundtree in the Sacket's was great. His speech/drawl never changed, he was, the genuine article.
I was in Pahuska Oklahoma one time back in 1967 IIRC. A couple of my uncles drove trucks for a company that had a contract delivering material to make Fatigues for the U.S. military. I rode along with my youngest uncle from McAlester to Pahuska.
Yep, Ben Johnson and Harry Carey Jr. were the original Dynamic Duo.
You're right. They were both the real deal. Ben was really a good actor even if he didn't think so. Pawhuska has really been changing the last 5 years or so. The movie they have been filming there is helping a lot in that. Thank you for watching!
Very interesting story about a real more modern cowboy, Ben Johnson. I remember hearing a saying a Hollywood writer or director said, I can turn a cowboy into an actor but I can't turn an actor into a cowboy. Definitely a skill that takes years to learn. Thanks for the video.
And sometimes those skills are just never picked up. Those ranches where Ben grew up have some serious cowboys even today. Thank you for watching Dan!
loved this video and I love westerns, My heritage is from the Cecil B DeMille family. Movies is in my blood.
another great biography....Ben Johnson was one of the best cowboys/actors ever!
Yes he was. I haven't seen another like him since. Thank you for watching Ron!
He was one of my favorite western actors. I think he was in at least 4 John Wayne movies. When I was growing up every little boy or girl wanted to be a cowboy and cowgirl. Some lucky ones got to live their dream. 😁👍
He certainly lived out his dream in multiple ways. He was very likeable and so far I haven't seen anyone else like him. He was in so many great movies. Thank you for watching Paul!
He always looked part of the horse he was an amazing person ad horseman
What a great life lived! Thanks for telling Ben's story.
You're welcome. He really did have a unique life. Thank you for watching Jose!
What a great American I always enjoy seeing him in old western movies God rest his soul
He really was a great actor even if he thought he wasn't. I love a lot of his movies. Thank you for watching!
Definitely true Cowboys, father and son. Thanks for sharing their history and resting place.
You're welcome and you're right about them being true cowboys. Thank you for watching Arleen!
Always enjoyed Ben as a Cowboy hero.
He was certainly one of the greats! Thank you for watching!
Ben Johnson is one of my all-time favorite people. A true American Hero.
Thank you for showing his museum; I hope to make it there one day. I love all his appearances in westerns spanning several decades. The authority and realism he lent to those oaters was transforming. Yet, his performance in The Last Picture Show is a cut above and, imo, one of the best ever in American films. The magical long zoom in/out take at the lake and his iconic and succinct calling out of trashy behavior in particular stand out, and give what is an otherwise excellent period piece/coming of age film a quantum leap into a timeless cinematic masterpiece. RIP, Mr. Johnson.
Great video Rhetty! I loved Ben Johnson and John Wayne they were my two favorite actors and my two favorite cowboys ever! I really enjoyed this one thank you!😀
You're welcome and they had great chemistry on and off screen. There really hasn't been anyone else like either one but especially Ben. Thank you so much for watching!
Yes they were awesome in Citsum and all there movies together Rio Grande, Undefeated, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, movies are not the same any more as when All doese great cowboy actors were about. Especially John, Ben, Ward, Harry C. Paul Fix in a lot of John Wynne movies. Dean, Walter, Robert M, Kirk, and loads more and last but not least Maureen O' Hara,.
So true Michael! All the greats are gone now. Their movies sure were the best!
Very nice story, Thank you for sharing. I remember seeing him in movies.
You're welcome and thank you for watching. He was a great actor for sure.
Ben Johnson Jr. was the real deal.He was most memorable for me in the movie Shane, probably one of my favorite Western movies all time. Great Production Rhetty!
Thank you for watching my friend. That was a great movie and I've seen quite a few of his over and over!
He was also in One Eyed Jack's with Marlon Brando.Maybe the only western set on the beach!
i remember Shane. great movie!
Thanks for the great work
You're welcome and thank you for watching MaryAnn!
Ben Johnson. A true cowboy and a great actor. Enjoyed this video. One of my favorite movies with him and
John Wayne is The Undefeated and Chisum. Some great scenes in those two movies.
Those are both great movies. They sure had a lot of movies under their belt between the two of them. Thank you for watching Richard!
@@RhettyforHistory .Forgot to mention that Ron with Forgotten Faces has a video out now about Doc Holiday and his alleged grave in Lynwood, CO. Very interesting.
I saw that and his Bloody Benders. I will have a video on that cemetery coming sometime in the future.
Ben Johnson was one of true greats. Much more than just an actor. Re-watched Shane a few days ago. Bet he's in at least half a dozen shows or movies I watch each month ( yeah, I watch a lot of Westerns). R.I.P., Son!
I've seen q lot of his movies numerous times. There just that good. There may never be another like Ben. Thank you for watching!
Me too..I rewatch a lot of Westerns..I've got a lot of them.
He's one of my favorites!
He was really great to watch in the movies. Thank you for watching my friend!
Loved Ben and his films, may he rest in peace, 🙏 great video thanks 🖤
He was a great actor. Thank you for watching.
A fabulous actor in every movie I've seen him in. And, from what I've heard and read, a first-rate, compassionate and decent man. Thank you for this video of a truly fine man!
You're welcome and thank you for watching. He certainly did not let stardom get to him. I have heard from a lot of people that he was not only approachable but completely friendly and willing to sign anything someone wanted. He was certainly generous with his charities and time.
@@RhettyforHistory You've heard the same sort of things about "Son" that I have. He was quite the gentleman. Thank you for your prompt reply!
You bet!
Ben Johnson was great in all his movies.
Yes he was and so many of them I've seen multiple times. Thank you for watching!
Have seen all of the movies you listed. Recognize Ben now that you bring his story to light. What a life he led. Thanks for the History.
He really did have a unique experience. There may never be another like him. Thank you for watching!
Ben was one of the most underrated actors ever. He should have been a leading man, but only recall his being a ‘sidekick’. Tell me if I’m wrong about that. Certainly was a lifetime cowboy and an inspiration.
He really was a great actor and man on and off screen. He has so many movies that he was in and I have seen many of them over and over. Thank you for watching Jack!
Ben was lead in Wagon master with Carey Jr., Ward Bond ,director John Ford and all the actors he used to make westerns written for John Wayne but he was unable to do it so he had Ben play the lead as he had an interest in the John Ford stock co. That's why all the same actor's were in them James Arness became friends with Wayne thru the co. And Wayne had enough pull to get Arness the role of Matt Dillon in Gun smoke.
@@alking4153
He also starred in the movie, Wild Stallion.
He was certainly in a lot of great movies!
Greeting Rhetty!! Another awesome video and such an honor to watch this video too! My grandfather Doyle and father knew Ben Sr and Son on a personal level since 1935. My grandfather was a welder and done welding for oil field equipment; my grandfather had went up to Chapman-Barnard Ranch numerous weekends to do welding jobs on the ranch. I never knew Ben Sr. or his second wife, but my father did and told me many stories about them. When I was born in 1962, Son and Carol came to my parents house here in Tulsa and giving me a stuffed red pony just a few months old and my parents told that I would not go sleep without my red pony and I have baby pictures of me holding my red pony and have a couple of baby pictures of me crying because my mother took my red pony away from me to get different pictures. When I grew up to start remembering things, I fondly remember Son and Carol coming to the house for visits and dinners when they were in Tulsa and we went to numerous rodeo events when Son was present. I fondly remember his sister Mary Ann a little, I know our family attended Mary's funeral in Pawhuska. When I was driving the truck cross country, if I didn't stop long enough to call Carol or Son at their home in Mesa, Arizona, I had hell to pay when I did call, because I wouldn't tell them that I had been though and didn't stop because of the time I going through Phoenix. They both always thought of me as a unofficial adopted nephew. Son and Carol does have a niece(s) which belongs to Mary Ann, but I don't niece at all. I had a close friendship/relationship with Ms. Ollie Rider (Son's mother) due to family friendship connection with Son and I would call Ms. Ollie often each month when she was in the assisted living center in Mesa. Back in the 1980's and 1990's I would haul stage lights from Alabama which was rebuilt stage lights to California on occasions (numerous times during a year), so I would always call Son or Carol once I left Alabama to see if Son was at home and if Carol would answer, she would tell me if he was already out in California or just out in town somewhere and give him the message that I coming through and would call back later to see if he wanted to ride with me in the truck to deliver stage lights, since I would have to wait for a couple of days to get the old stage lights reloaded and take those lights back to Alabama and would be going back through Phoenix, it was big treat for me having Son ride along with me, I was able to meet a lot of western actors with Son. One of these days, I'll get out a few of my photo albums and scan those pictures into my computer of Son, Carol, Ms. Ollie and actors that I've had my picture taken with Son too and I will email you those pictures. I attended Carol's graveside funeral service in 1994 with my parents at Pawhuska, along with Son's funeral in Mesa, AZ, there was a large attendance in Mesa; I load up my parents and I drove straight through to Mesa to attend Son's funeral and we could be there for Ms. Ollie too for a little while. I seen a lot of the actors that I gotten to know through Son at his funeral service in Mesa and 5 of western actors that I was really close to as a friend had asked me how far was Pawhuska was from Tulsa, they were going to fly into Tulsa to attend the graveside service too; so I told those 5 actors to call me once they knew when their flight was arriving in Tulsa and I would pick them up and drive them to Pawhuska since I was going. My parents and I also attended Ms. Ollie's graveside service too, she was such a sweet lady and I loved her very much. Oh the precious memories I have of Ms. Ollie, Son and Carol! Thanks again a whole bunch of the awesome and wonderful tribute video for Son and his family! You're the greatest UA-camr and proud to call you a friend!
You rely do have a lot of connections with Pawhuska. I remember you were helping a friend there to medical appointments or something a few years back. Sounds like you have a special relationship with the Johnsons and I love the story of the stuffed pony. Have you been in the museum up there? It really is a great little museum. Thank you for watching!
@@RhettyforHistory Yes Rhetty, my friend that I was helping get up to Pawhuska was a neighbor and he was Osage/Pawnee; he was battling kidney and lung cancer at that time and it went into remission, then back in 2018 he's cancer returned and he lost the battle of cancer in 2019! I miss my buddy, but knows he's whole and pain free now. Miss going to the Osage PowWow's with him during the summer months. I'm still very close to numerous family members of my friend and other Osage friends that I got to know through my friend!
The relationship with Ms. Ollie, Son and Carol was very special. I also remember remember back in 1965 when John Wayne led the grand opening parade of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame Museum and Son had my parents come to Oklahoma City for the parade and of course, I was there too; Son came got me and introduced me to John Wayne; then after the parade, John, Son, Carol, my parents and me had lunch or dinner with John Wayne. There was numerous times when John would be with Son flying into Tulsa, coming over the house to visit for a little while, then drive up to Pawhuska to attend some rodeo there and attend some of the rodeos in Guthrie too! Maybe I shouldn't share this little story, but it's the truth and funny in it's own way too; Son called the house and visited with my dad while at a rodeo down in Texas, thinking it was around Ft. Worth; but anyway, he had vehicle problems and was busted (didn't win any money and temporary out of money), so dad asked me if I would drive down and give Son some money so he could get his vehicle fix and money to get back home on, so I did it. When I got there several hours later, stayed over night so Son could have some transportation till his vehicle was fixed and remember him telling me that Carol was going to mad at him for not winning any money. A few days later; Carol called our house and she wanted to know how much money was sent with me to help Son out. You betcha, she was madder than an old wet hen too... LOL... but she was also thankful I helped her husband out in his time of need, according to what my mother told me, that I remember.
I still keep in touch with Patrick Wayne and Ethan Wayne at times! We're not really as close as the Johnson's were, but there is a friendship present with Patrick and Ethan. Ethan is only 2 months older than me too!
Take care my friend and chat with you later!
Les D. Thank you so much for sharing ❤ fun to hear. Enjoyed the video Rhetty. 📹 Judy
Thank you for watching Judy!
Ben Johnson, great horse rider, actor and gentleman. I have his photo on my wall and I am not a youngster! Thank you for this.🙏🇬🇧
He was one of my all time favorite cowboys.
Fascinating Rhetty. Great video. I love these old tales like this.
Thank you so much for watching my friend!
I always loved watching Ben In movies, but had no idea he was the 'real McCoy' meaning a real genuine Cowboy. Perhaps that's why he was so easy to believe in any of his roles. Watching him in character just seemed right... because it was. Wow! Rest in Peace Mr. Johnson, thanks for sharing your love for all things Cowboy, with the world.
He was certainly the real deal! He sure made a lot of great movies and he was really relatable. Thank you for watching!
There ain't no men like Ben Johnson, Producer Ford, Wayne, Stewart.. all gone!
Sadly they are. They were sure Hollywood icons and still are. Thank you for watching!
You should check out his Academy Awards Oscar acceptance speech for best supporting actor. Belly laughs all 'round.
It was a great one for sure! Thank you for watching!
I always love watching Ben and John in westerns. Even if I have watched it several times before. Thanks
He was certainly one of the greatest in westerns. Thank you for watching!
I have several cowboy hats,and because I was such a big fan of how Ben Johnson,had his hat formed,in a tribute, that's how I have all my hats,he was awesome
I loved Ben Johnson Jr he came across as a genuine person in his roles. I remember him in so many rolls including Red Dawn
I felt the same way about him. He just seemed like someone I knew or even a relative when I watched him. I always loved Red Dawn so I had to include one photo of him from that movie. Thank you for watching Kirk!
@@RhettyforHistory You're most welcome my friend.
That was great! reminds me of my dad, we were watching john wayne western all the time, loved seeing ben in rio grande and she wore a yellow ribbon!
Those were some great ones! I think John Wayne sparks a lot of memories watching with friends and family. Thank you for watching and sharing your story viewing him.
Ben Johnson Senior, Ben's dad and my grandfather, Frank White, were friends and had worked together on various ranches when they were teenagers. Ben Jr. and my Dad practically grew up together. Ben was an extra surrogate "uncle" to my brother and I. I would spend many of my Army leaves at Ben's ranch (I was a career Army NCO.) Though "Uncle Ben" I got to meet and become friends with Harry Carey Jr., Slim Pickens, Warren Oates, James Coburn, L. Q. Jones and Sam Peckinpah. A few months before he died, Ben attended my Army retirement ceremony. Many of my fellow soldiers, not knowing of our relationship, were gobsmacked to see him there.
Sounds like Ben was a great man all the way around. Thank you for watching and sharing your story of Jim. You certainly had a unique relationship with him and it also near that you met other stars as well as him attending your retirement.
Ben Johnson is my 4th cusions my grand father and him was close. They talked all the time to bens death. My family all rodeoed as I have retired from professional rodeo my self. I still remember Ben coming to my brothers high school graduation in 1995. A year before he passed. He was a great guy. And my family still bring photos out and talk about him and the family history. Ben is missed by all of us.
That's quite a relative you have and I'm sure it was interesting and still is. Thank you for watching!
You welcome yes I have story's and I have a family hope chest that was past down to me that has a history of books about my family. And who all we are kin to. I am also kind to Jean Harlow the actors.
That is quite a relation you have!
Admired him all you life RIP BEN
Thank you for watching!
I need to make it up to Pawhuska to see what's at the museum. Thanks Rhett.
It's a great little city to visit if you get the opportunity.
Hey Rhett, I didn't know you had posted this when I wrote that other message.
This is great about both Ben Johnsons'
I really liked "Son". When he and John Wayne got together in a movie it was a great movie.
So sad that we're losing the "old timers".
But, that's life.
Thank you for sharing this.
You're a great person to do this.
The two of them really had a great chemistry on and off the screen. Be was and still is unlike any other person who has ever come to Hollywood. It didn't seek it out but they knew what he had to offer. Thank you for watching!
He was absolutely the best! And best cowboy!!
He sure entertained us a lot. Thank you for watching!
Oh thanks so much for going to Ben "Son" Johnson's final resting place... I really want to go to Pawhuska sometime and see the museum and pay my repects to one "real" cowboy...Loved your video... thanks for sharing that.... GOD Bless
You're welcome and I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Pawhuska is a great place to visit and it's only getting better! Thank you for watching!
Okay!! Road trip is needed!! I have had two favorite actors in my life. John Wayne and Ben Johnson!! Ben was first as I saw him in Mighty Joe Young when I was a kid! Fell in love with him then and there.. Now I need to visit this cemetery.
Thank you for sharing this video, this is the first time I've seen anything you've posted, but won't be my last!
I'm a big Ben Johnson fan. Loved him in Lonesome Dove.
I wonder if you are thinking about Barry Corbin?
I have seen him over the yrs. I always enjoyed watching him. Very interesting. Thanks for always teaching us things we may not know of. ☝️🙏🙏
You're welcome and thank you so much for always watching and commenting.
Odd that the father became a cowboy because of the movies and the son became a movie star because he was a cowboy. I liked that line about how he got paid to play Ben Johnson. I know fans of The Last Picture Show hold him in high regard and he has quite a story.
You're right about that being odd! The sad thing is his father never really got to see the long term success of his son. But they were both authentic cowboys! Thanks for watching James!
What an incredible life and career and to think it was just a fluke that he was in the right place at the right time and it completely changed his life! Nice museum, too. You did an excellent job of telling his story, Rhetty!
Thank you for watching my friend. He certainly wasn't seeking out to be in Hollywood or have any sort of fame but people were drawn to him no matter where be was.
Great actor. I remember him playing Melvin Pervis in Dillinger with Warren Oates in 1973. And him playing Chris Calloway in Shane in 1953. And his roles with John Wayne. I knew he was from Oklahoma but didn't know if he was buried here in Oklahoma or not.
I think deep down he always considered Oklahoma home and he definitely came back to his roots. He definitely had a lot of great films and you mentioned some good ones. Thank you for watching!
@@RhettyforHistory your welcome my grandpa was a big John Wayne fan so I have seen most of his movies. And Shane has always been one of my favorite westerns. I think that Tombstone is my favorite western movie that I enjoy the most though.
What is interesting about Tombstone is that Harry Carey is in it. Kind of a nod to the older ones.
@@RhettyforHistory yes I didn't realize it was him after seeing the credits because I was used to seeing him in the older black and white westerns. I had seen once where people had commented on why Harry Carey J.R. play Fred White in Tombstone when the real Fred White was only about 30 years old. But Harry Carey J.R. was a good actor and done a good job in the movie in my opinion.
That movie was full of star power. It's not exactly accurate bit the events surrounding that story are difficult to decifer. I just like to take it at entertainment value and I love the movie!
Good one Rhetty! Always loved Ben Johnson. Never knew how skilled he was with horses.
He was definitely the real deal and he had a lot of great movies he was in. Thank you for watching!
I have always enjoyed Ben Johnson's movie roles. I knew he was from OK, but I didn't know his Dad was born in Harrison Arkansas. My mom and dad were from there.
Thanks Rhetty. Love the Old West Series!
What a small world with your parents being from there. I wonder if they knew him somehow. Thank you for watching!
This video just got you a Bigbear subscriber forever......you showed great respect for Ben and his family...Thank you!
Welcome to the channel and thank you for subscribing! I'm glad you are here.
I live in Washington County about 45 minutes away my dad had met him and he got to meet John Wayne when he was at the Mullendore ranch..said he was really nice good ol cowboy 🤠
I think most people who met Ben loved him. I haven't heard anything say otherwise. Thank you for watching Bella!
Rhett, I really enjoyed this video especially since I love anything and everything about the Old West. Love the movies, television shows, stories, etc. I've seen entertainer, Ben Johnson over the years but I never knew how he got into acting, it was a very interesting backstory about him. Also, I never knew he was into and won championships in rodeoing. Great investigating and photos, too. Take care 🐎
He was certainly a great friendly guy and how he entered Hollywood is pretty unique. So far there hasn't been another like him. Thank you for watching Brenda!
First saw him in Wagonmaster all those years ago and have been a fan ever since. R I P Ben.
Thank you for watching.
A great actor especially in westerns and other types of films
Great character actor loved him in the " wild bunch"
That was a good one and you're right about him being a great actor. Thank you for watching!
Only thing missing at the end is Rhetty climbing on his trusty steed and trotting off with his faithful companion Ranger at his side.
If I only had one.....thanks for watching!
@@RhettyforHistory, Back in the day when I was in the navy we had a neighbor who had a 1958 Harley Sportster. As only a man can understand he parked that bike in his living room. Go ahead and get a horse. Mrs. Rhetty will not notice it in the living room.
I'm sure she won't lol! May have to stick with a hobby horse! Would that have the same quality ending if Ranger was still there?
A great cowboy....great man...the kind you you hardly find any longer. RIP Ben....we miss you.
He was certainly one of the greats! Thank you for watching!
Great video, thanks Rhett and stay safe !
Thank you and I appreciate you watching!
Thanks Rhetty for the biopic of the late great Ben Johnson. He was always one of my favorite Western actors in the old movies and newer ones too. He always came across as the real thing. I'll always remember his line about the arrow of a Cheyenne Dog Soldier.
He was a great actor even though he wouldn't say it. Not only was he authentic but he always came across relatable. Like someone you might know. Thank you for watching!
Amazing video Rhetty seen all them movies you showed and remember him well What a great bit of history you gave us in this video Thankyou for sharing it
You're welcome and thank you for watching! He was sure in a lot of really good movies!
Loved it Rhetty! Have always loved all of John Wayne’s movies and especially with Ben they had a lot of comfortable friendly chemistry. You knew they were good friends. Didn’t know about his Dad but that whole part was real interesting.I heard that Ben Jr. was part Indian and wondered if it was Osage.
It would make sense if he did have some Osage in him and more so from his Mom's side but I really don't know. I did not try to research that. Thank you got watching!
I grew up watching Ben Johnson in all those great westers👍💯💯💯💯
WOW Rhetty! That was a great video. I loved that story! Thanks for bringing us such good content! Keep up the great work!
I'm glad you enjoyed it Janet and I appreciate you watching!
Ben was a favorite of mine for sure. Did you see the Pioneer Woman while you were there in town. Thanks for the video. 🇺🇸
We visited her store and ate at her restaurant. We never skip that as Sarah is a big fan. She has certainly helped bring the downtown area. Thank you for watching!
Love your channel, the old west, the old westerns, cowboys etc,
Thank you so much for watching Gwen! I appreciate you always commenting!
My husband, a big western fan, said the first time he saw Ben Johnson was in the movie "Mighty Joe Young" with Terry Moore. Probably mid to late 40's. Great guy.
Thank you so much for shown me Ben's resting place.
,Dave,Dublin.Ireland.
You're welcome and thank you for watching from Ireland!
This video was awesome I am into western movies and I love to hear about the old west and the people that were in them I have so many John Wayne movies that I've seen and I still have some of my own so this is very interesting to me thank you very much for this great video I hope you're having a wonderful day stay safe and take care of that wonderful family of yours a big fan all of your videos
We are doing great. Sarah isn't much into westerns. At least not like me but her favorite movie or at least one of them is Hatari! It's different for John wayne but I'm surprised she hasn't worn that out. Thank you for watching Marlene!
@@RhettyforHistory I have seen Hatari too. It was a good show. Two of my favorite movies are Cowboys and Three Godfathers.
There's definitely a lot to choose from!
Long ago I went to the Sonora CA. Western Film Festival because Ben Johnson was going to be there. I missed him by fifteen minutes! But walking around I saw a cowboy behind a table showing his watercolor paintings. he was all alone. I saw it was Buck Taylor. I went over and said “Hi, Buck”. he said, “Hello. Do we know each other?”. I said, “I know you. I still see you in Gunsmoke every morning”. What a nice almost shy unpretentious guy.
A great actor and a great human. I loved his films.
He sure had some great ones. Thank you for watching!
My son who used to live in Bartlesville! I wish I knew that this was there!
There is a lot to see up in this area. Thank you for watching Beverly!
I always enjoyed the banter between him and John Wayne. They seemed to 'click' so well and fed off one another. Also, his part in The Shadow Riders....he always had a fun way of doing his part and bringing a likeable presence to the screen. I recall John Wayne saying that if you wanted someone who could really ride a horse, the Ben Johnson was who you wanted because no one could do it better. Great actor and great 'real' cowboy.
You're right about all of that. He was authentic and genuine. Both Wayne and Johnson had great chemistry on and off screen. Thank you for watching.
Ben happened to be in Ennis Montana when he and maybe Dub Taylor (who spent time there as well) were endorsing a new development called Troutdale. We were practicing team roping and there sat Ben watching us. Understand he was a world champion and I think we were all embarrassed by the lack of our talent with him there. I guess I was too shy, or embarrassed to introduce myself to him. I regret not taking the opportunity to met such a great horseman and true pillar of the cowboy heritage.
I completely understand where you are coming from thought and I think I would have done the same given the same opportunity. Thank you for watching and sharing your story.
It's curious that you don't hear about him more. He certainly accomplished a lot in his lifetime. Thank you for the tour of the museum. 💕🙂
Yes he did. He had a great career. Thank you for watching!
I had the pleasure of driving for Mr. Johnson while filming Angels In the Outfield. He was quite the gentleman and storyteller. All I can add is told me he taught Howard Hughes to ride for $50 a day during filming of The Outlaw.
What an interesting experience you had with him. Thank you for sharing a little more about him and I appreciate you watching!
With out,any doubt,the greatest cowboy actor, the real deal
Always liked Ben, an old JW (Duke) fan, love me a good Western, New or Old. God Bless Texas 🤙🏼❤️🇺🇸🤠
They were both great! Thank you for watching!