Charles "Buddy" Rogers facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Charles "Buddy" Rogers
Rogers in 1929
Born	Charles Edward Rogers (1904-08-13)August 13, 1904 Olathe, Kansas, U.S.
Died	April 21, 1999(1999-04-21) (aged 94) Rancho Mirage, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actor, musician
Years active	1926–1968
Spouse(s)	Mary Pickford ​ ​ (m. 1937; died 1979)​ Beverly Ricondo ​ (m. 1981)​

Charles Edward "Buddy" Rogers (born August 13, 1904 – died April 21, 1999) was a famous American actor and musician. He was very popular in the late 1920s and early 1930s. People often called him "America's Boyfriend" because he was so well-liked.

Buddy Rogers: A Star's Journey

Early Life and Talents

Buddy Rogers on The Twin Stars radio show in 1937.

Buddy Rogers during his flight training.

Buddy Rogers was born in Olathe, Kansas. His parents were Maude and Bert Henry Rogers. He went to the University of Kansas. There, he joined a group called Phi Kappa Psi.

In the mid-1920s, Buddy started acting in Hollywood movies. He was also a very talented musician. He played the trombone and many other instruments. Buddy even had his own dance band. They performed in movies and on the radio.

During World War II, Buddy served his country. He joined the United States Navy. He worked as an instructor, teaching others how to fly planes.

Buddy Rogers was not a bandleader in the usual way. He was an actor who led bands for publicity. In the 1930s, he took over the popular Joe Haymes orchestra. He even added famous drummer Gene Krupa to his band.

Buddy also recorded music. In 1930, he made two records as a singer. He had a small jazz band playing with him. Later, he recorded dance band music. In 1938, he recorded six swing records.

His Acting Career Highlights

Buddy Rogers at the 1988 Academy Awards.

Buddy Rogers is best known for his role in the 1927 movie Wings. He starred alongside Clara Bow. Wings was a very important film. It was the first movie ever to win an Academy Award for Best Picture.

Years later, in 1968, Buddy appeared on the TV show Petticoat Junction. He played himself in an episode called "Wings." This was a special nod to his famous silent movie.

Awards and Honors

Buddy Rogers received many honors for his work. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It was placed there on February 8, 1960. You can find it at 6135 Hollywood Blvd.

His fellow actors respected him greatly. They admired his work in films and his kindness. In 1986, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gave him a special award. It was called The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. This award is given to people who do great humanitarian work.

In 1993, he also received a Golden Palm Star. This star is on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.

Family Life

On June 24, 1937, Buddy Rogers married Mary Pickford. She was a famous silent film actress. Their love story began in 1927. They starred together in the movie My Best Girl. But they kept their relationship a secret for a long time. This was until Mary divorced her previous husband in 1936.

Buddy and Mary adopted two children. Their names were Roxanne (born 1944) and Ronald Charles (born 1937). They were married for 42 years. Mary Pickford passed away in 1979.

In 1981, Buddy married again. His second wife was Beverly Ricono, a real estate agent.

Later Years and Passing

Buddy Rogers passed away at his home in Rancho Mirage, California. He was 94 years old. He died on April 21, 1999, from natural causes. He was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Cathedral City.

Movies Buddy Rogers Starred In

Buddy Rogers' Music Recordings

Lupe Vélez, Buddy Rogers, and June Knight in the Broadway musical Hot-Cha! (1932).

Buddy Rogers recorded several songs and albums during his career. Here are some of his recordings:

As Charles "Buddy" Rogers (America's Boy Friend)

• February 27, 1930 & March 4, 1930
  • (I'd like to be) A Bee in Your Boudoir/My Future Just Passed (Columbia 2183-D)
• March 4, 1930
  • Any Time's the Time to Fall in Love/(Up on Top of a Rainbow) Sweepin' the Clouds Away (Columbia 2143-D)

As Buddy Rogers and His California Cavaliers

• April 18, 1932
  • You Fascinate Me/Hello,Gorgeous (Victor 24001)
• May 11, 1932
  • In My Hideaway/Happy-Go-Lucky You (And Broken-Hearted Me) (Victor 24015)
• May 18, 1932
  • I Beg Your Pardon, Mademoiselle/With My Sweetie in the Moonlight (Victor 24031)
  • Please Handle with Care/Ask Yourself Who Loves You (Victor 24049)

As Buddy Rogers and his Famous Swing Band (vocals by Buddy Rogers, or others like Bob Hannon, Joe Mooney, or Elizabeth Tilton)

• April 15, 1938
  • Lovelight in the Starlight/This Time It's Real (Vocalion 4058)
  • Moonshine over Kentucky/Little Lady Make-Believe (Vocalion 4071)
• June 29, 1938
  • Figaro/Meet the Beat of My Heart (Vocalion 4227)
  • Happy as a Lark/The Sunny Side of Things (Vocalion 4240)
• September 17, 1938
  • You Can't Be Mine (And Someone Else's Too)/While A Cigarette Was Burning (Vocalion 4408)
  • This Is Madness (to Love Like This)/Rainbow 'Round the Moon (instrumental) (Vocalion 4422)

See also

In Spanish: Charles Rogers para niños