Forrest Tucker

Forrest Meredith Tucker (February 12, 1919 – October 25, 1986) was a prolific American actor who appeared in nearly a hundred films. Appearing on both the silver screen and television, Tucker started as a vaudeville straight man at the mere age of fifteen. Charmed by his good looks, thick wavy hair, and imposing height, party hostess Cobina Wright persuaded guest Wesley Ruggles to give Tucker a screen test during a trip to California funded by a mentor. Despite perception in Hollywood studios that blond men weren't photogenic, Tucker quickly became a sight reader who only needed one take and his film career thrived. He later enlisted in the Army during World War II. Post military service, he spent twenty years mainly in Westerns and action roles, before returning to his root of comedy. Tucker's character of Cavalry Sgt. Morgan O'Rourke in the TV series F Troop became iconic. In his later years, Tucker battled a drinking problem that began to affect his performances.

Born in Indiana to Forrest A. Tucker and Doris Heringlake, Forrest Tucker spent his early life performing at fairs and contests in the area before relocating to Washington, D.C. His big break came at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair at 14 where he was soon working as the Master of Ceremonies. His film career was launched with help from a wealthy mentor who guided him to California. Tucker's star quality was recognized quickly, leading him to sign contracts with big studios like Columbia Pictures. His film career included a stint as a soldier during World War II and a return to film in classic productions like The Yearling (1946). As he got older, Tucker also found success in television, with his role in F Troop being especially well-received. Despite personal struggles with alcohol and health issues, Tucker worked consistently until his death in 1986.