Arthur Hunnicutt was an American actor who was known for his portrayal of old, wise, grizzled rural characters. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in The Big Sky (1952). He was also known for his role in the Western television series Sugarfoot (1957–1961).
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Early Life and Career
Arthur Lee Hunnicutt was born on February 17, 1910, in Gravelly, Arkansas. He attended the University of Central Arkansas and Arkansas State Teachers College, but dropped out when he ran out of money.
He gained early acting experience in stock theatre and traveling shows. He moved to New York City, where he worked in the laundry at the Algonquin Hotel and landed roles in Broadway productions. He developed the country character he would later be typecast as throughout his career.
He made his film debut in Wildcat (1942) and appeared in a number of films in the early 1940s, then returned to the stage. In 1949 he came back to Hollywood and resumed his film career. He played a long string of supporting roles—sympathetic, wise rural types, as in The Red Badge of Courage (1951), The Lusty Men (1952), The Kettles in the Ozarks (1955), The Last Command (1955, as Davy Crockett), The Tall T (1957), Cat Ballou (1965, as Butch Cassidy), El Dorado (1966) and The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin.
Oscar Nomination and TV Appearances
In 1952, he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in the Howard Hawks film The Big Sky, where he played Zeb Calloway, a mountain man who guides a fur-trading expedition up the Missouri River. He lost to Anthony Quinn, who won for Viva Zapata!.
Throughout the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, Hunnicutt made nearly 40 guest appearances on American television programs. He starred as Sugarfoot’s sidekick Toothy Thompson in the Western series Sugarfoot (1957–1961). He also made memorable appearances on Perry Mason, Bonanza, Cheyenne, Gunsmoke, The Outer Limits, The Rifleman, Wanted: Dead or Alive, The Andy Griffith Show, The Wild Wild West, Adam-12, and The Twilight Zone.
Personal Life and Death
Hunnicutt married Pauline “Pebbles” Lile in 1940 and they had one daughter. They remained married until his death.
In 1974, Hunnicutt was diagnosed with cancer of the tongue. He underwent surgery and radiation therapy, but the disease spread to his throat and lungs. He continued to work until his health deteriorated. His last film was Winterhawk (1975), and his last TV appearance was on Nakia (1974).
On September 26, 1979, Hunnicutt died of cancer at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital at age 69. He was buried in the Coop Prairie Cemetery in Mansfield, Arkansas. His wife was his sole survivor.
Legacy and Influence
Arthur Hunnicutt was one of the most recognizable character actors of his time. He brought a unique charm and authenticity to his roles, often playing older than his actual age. He was praised by critics and audiences alike for his naturalistic and humorous performances.
He influenced many actors who followed him, such as Sam Elliott, Jeff Bridges, Tommy Lee Jones, and Robert Duvall. He was also admired by directors such as John Ford, Howard Hawks, Budd Boetticher, and Robert Altman.
He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6665 Hollywood Boulevard. He was also inducted into the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame in 2000.
Arthur Hunnicutt was a talented and versatile actor who left a lasting mark on American cinema and television. He will always be remembered as one of the best supporting actors of his generation.
References
According to Wikipedia According to IMDb According to Oscars.org According to TV Guide According to Find a Grave According to Dom’s Two Cents According to Western Clippings According to Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame
