Rod Cameron was a Canadian-born actor who starred in many westerns, action and horror films in the 1940s and 1950s. He was known for his rugged appearance, tall stature and deep voice. He also appeared in several television shows, such as State Trooper, Coronado 9 and City Detective. He died in 1983 at the age of 73 after a long illness. But what was the cause of his death and how did he live his life?
Early Life and Career
Rod Cameron was born as Nathan Roderick Cox on December 7, 1910, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He grew up in New Jersey, where he played basketball, football, hockey and swimming. He wanted to join the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, but he failed the physical examination due to an injury. He moved to New York and worked as a construction worker and an engineer. He also developed an interest in acting and moved to Hollywood in the late 1930s.
He started out as a stuntman and a bit player for Paramount Pictures, as well as a stand-in for Fred MacMurray. He appeared in small roles in films such as Heritage of the Desert, Rangers of Fortune, North West Mounted Police and Henry Aldrich for President. He also worked for Universal Pictures, where he appeared in films such as If I Had My Way, The Monster and the Girl and The Remarkable Andrew.
Rise to Fame
Cameron’s breakthrough came in 1943, when he starred in two action serials for Republic Pictures: G-Men vs. the Black Dragon and Secret Service in Darkest Africa. He played Rex Bennett, a crime-busting federal agent who fought against enemy spies and terrorists. The serials were popular with audiences and made him a star.
He then signed a contract with Universal Pictures, where he replaced Johnny Mack Brown as their western series star. He appeared in many westerns, such as Boss of Boomtown, Trigger Trail and Riders of the Santa Fe. He also starred in feature films with actresses such as Yvonne De Carlo and Maria Montez, such as Salome, Where She Danced, Frontier Gal and Pirates of Monterey.
He also played in war films during World War II, such as Commandos Strike at Dawn, Wake Island and Gung Ho!. He was praised for his versatility and charisma.
Later Years and Death
In 1947, Universal reorganized as Universal-International and downsized its activities, leaving Cameron and other contract players unemployed. He then moved to Monogram Pictures (later Allied Artists), where he continued to make westerns and other films, such as Panhandle, Strike It Rich, Santa Fe Passage and The Gun Hawk.
He also ventured into television, where he starred in three detective series: State Trooper (1956-1959), Coronado 9 (1960-1961) and City Detective (1953-1955). He also guest-starred in shows such as Bonanza, The Virginian and Wagon Train.
He made his last film appearance in 1971, in Evil Knievel. He then retired from acting and moved to Gainesville, Georgia. He suffered from cancer for several years and died on December 21, 1983, at Lanier Park Hospital. He was survived by his wife and a son.
Legacy
Rod Cameron was one of the most prolific actors of his era, appearing in over 100 films and dozens of television shows. He was known for his tough-guy persona and his ability to play different genres. He was admired by fans and respected by his peers.
He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6933 Hollywood Boulevard. He was also inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
