Shep Houghton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shep Houghton
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| Born |
George Shephard Houghton
June 4, 1914 Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
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| Died | December 15, 2016 (aged 102) Hoodsport, Washington, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1927–76 |
| Children | 2 |
George Shephard "Shep" Houghton (born June 4, 1914 – died December 15, 2016) was an American actor and dancer. He became famous for his parts in two classic movies: Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz. When he passed away, Shep Houghton was the oldest person still alive who had worked on both of these famous films.
Shep's Early Life
Shep Houghton was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on June 4, 1914. He grew up in a family of farmers. In 1927, when Shep was 13 years old, his family moved to Hollywood. They moved there because of business.
Shep's Acting Career
After moving to Hollywood, Shep's family settled near Paramount Pictures' studios. In 1927, Shep made his first movie. It was called Underworld, and it was a silent film.
Shep Houghton started his career as a dancer. He even taught the famous actress Greta Garbo how to waltz. This was for her role in the 1937 movie Conquest.
In 1939, Shep appeared in two very famous movies. He played an Ozmite and a Winkie Guard in Wizard of Oz. He also appeared as a Southern gentleman in Gone with the Wind.
Shep Houghton had many repeating roles in TV shows. He worked on the Jack Benny Program from 1950 to 1965. He also appeared in the first three episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series. From 1951 to 1957, he was part of the I Love Lucy show. He also had roles in other popular shows like Wagon Train, Perry Mason, and The Twilight Zone.
In the 1960s, Shep appeared in shows such as My Three Sons and The Andy Griffith Show. He also played a slave in the movie Spartacus. He was also a dancer in the movie Hello, Dolly!.
In the 1970s, he worked on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. His last acting job was in the final episodes of Ellery Queen. He played a juror in that show. Shep Houghton retired from acting later that same year.
Shep's Life Off-Screen
Shep Houghton was married three times. He first married Jane Rosily Kellogg in 1935. They later divorced. In 1946, he married actress Geraldine Farnum, but they also divorced. Shep had two children.
In the early 1950s, he worked a lot in television, mostly as a dancer. He married Mel Carter in 1975.
Shep Houghton passed away on December 15, 2016. He was 102 years old when he died in Hoodsport, Washington.
