William Boyd, born on June 5, 1895, in Ohio, was a renowned movie actor who rose to fame as the iconic Hopalong Cassidy in the 1930s and '40s. He spent his early years growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, before eventually moving to California in his early adulthood. Boyd took on various odd jobs before finding his way into the entertainment industry as a Hollywood movie extra.
Boyd's big break came when he landed the role of Hopalong Cassidy in a series of films. Not only did he star as the title character, but he also bought the rights to the books and movies, ultimately creating a highly successful television series based on the famous cowboy. In addition to his Hopalong Cassidy fame, Boyd also gained recognition for his leading roles in silent films of the 1920s.
Boyd's personal life was just as colorful as his professional one. He was married a total of five times, with four of his wives being actresses. His first marriage to Laura Maynard ended in divorce, after which he tied the knot with Ruth Miller. This was followed by marriages to Elinor Fair, Dorothy Sebastian, and Grace Bradley.
William Boyd's legacy as the beloved Hopalong Cassidy lives on to this day. Alongside fellow cowboy actor Roy Rogers, Boyd became a household name for his onscreen persona. His contributions to the entertainment industry, both on the big screen and television, have solidified his place in Hollywood history.