Fuzzy Knight facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fuzzy Knight
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Knight in Amateur Crook (1937)
|
|
| Born |
John Forrest Knight
May 9, 1901 Fairmont, West Virginia, U.S.
|
| Died | February 23, 1976 (aged 74) Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
|
| Resting place | Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery |
| Alma mater | West Virginia University |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1929–1967 |
| Spouse(s) | Patricia Ryan (née Thelma de Long) (m. 19??) |
John Forrest "Fuzzy" Knight (born May 9, 1901 – died February 23, 1976) was an American actor. He worked in both movies and television. Fuzzy Knight was also a singer, especially when he was younger. He appeared in over 180 films between 1928 and 1967. He was often known for playing the funny sidekick to cowboy heroes in Western movies.
Contents
About Fuzzy Knight
Fuzzy Knight was born in Fairmont, West Virginia. He was the third child of James and Olive Knight. When he was young, he worked at a hotel. He also played in a theater orchestra in Fairmont.
College and Music Career
Fuzzy went to West Virginia University. There, he was part of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He was also a cheerleader and studied law. He even wrote a popular pep song called "Fight Mountaineers." This song is still used by the university's marching band today. He also helped write another university song, "To Thee Our Alma Mater."
While in college, he started his own band. He played the drums. Eventually, he left school to perform in vaudeville shows. Vaudeville was a type of entertainment with many different acts. He also played in big bands like Irving Aaronson's and George Olsen's.
His musical and comedy skills led him to New York City. He performed in popular shows like Earl Carroll's Vanities in 1927. He also appeared on Broadway in other shows. He was known by his nickname, Fuzzy, because he had a very soft voice.
Moving to Hollywood
While touring with his bands, Fuzzy Knight came to Hollywood. He appeared in several short musical films. These were made for studios like MGM and Paramount between 1928 and 1932.
His first important movie role was given to him by actress Mae West. This was in the film She Done Him Wrong. After that, he acted in many more movies over the next 30 years. By the 1940s, he was mostly acting in Western movies. In 1940, he was even voted one of the top ten money-making stars in Westerns.
Later Career and Death
Fuzzy Knight became famous to a new generation in the 1950s. He co-starred as Buster Crabbe's sidekick in a TV show. This show was called Captain Gallant of the Foreign Legion (1955). In the show, he used his own name, Private Fuzzy Knight.
After this, he slowly started to retire. However, he still made occasional appearances in movies and TV shows. His last roles were in 1967.
Fuzzy Knight passed away peacefully in his sleep. He died at the Motion Picture Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, California. He was survived by his wife, actress Patricia Ryan. He was buried in Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery in Burbank, California.
Selected Film and Television Roles
Fuzzy Knight had a long career in Hollywood. He appeared in many films, often playing funny or helpful characters. Here are a few examples of his work:
- She Done Him Wrong (1933) – One of his first important roles.
- Union Pacific (1939) – A big Western film.
- My Little Chickadee (1940) – A comedy with Mae West.
- The Shepherd of the Hills (1941) – A drama set in the mountains.
- The Egg and I (1947) – A popular comedy.
- Captain Gallant of the Foreign Legion (1955–1957) – His well-known TV series role.
He was known for his roles as a sidekick in many Westerns. He often brought humor to his characters.
See also
In Spanish: Fuzzy Knight para niños
