Will Rogers - Wikipedia

Growing up in Oklahoma, we all were familiar with the State's favorite son. My wife went to Will Rogers High School. Their sports teams were called the "Ropers." I made many trips to the Will Rogers memorial at Claremore and the museum at Bartlesville. Also, I've flown over the crash site of the Winnie Mae near Barrow, AK. Photo is monument near crash site.

Thank you, my friend Maj Marty Hogan for making us aware that November 4 is the anniversary of the birth of American stage and motion picture actor, vaudeville performer, cowboy, humorist, newspaper columnist, and social commentator William Penn Adair Rogers who "was a Cherokee citizen born in the Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory.
Rest in peace Will Rogers!

Will Rogers: Biography, American Radio Entertainer, Lecturer, Film Star (1994)
"William Penn Adair "Will" Rogers (November 4, 1879 -- August 15, 1935) was an American cowboy, vaudeville performer, humorist, social commentator and motion picture actor. He was one of the world's best-known celebrities in the 1920s and 1930s.
Known as "Oklahoma's Favorite Son," Rogers was born to a prominent Cherokee Nation family in Indian Territory (now part of Oklahoma). He traveled around the world three times, made 71 movies (50 silent films and 21 "talkies"), wrote more than 4,000 nationally syndicated newspaper columns,[3] and became a world-famous figure. By the mid-1930s, the American people adored Rogers. He was the leading political wit of the Progressive Era, and was the top-paid Hollywood movie star at the time. Rogers died in 1935 with aviator Wiley Post, when their small airplane crashed in Alaska.
Rogers' vaudeville rope act led to success in the Ziegfeld Follies, which in turn led to the first of his many movie contracts. His 1920s syndicated newspaper column and his radio appearances increased his visibility and popularity. Rogers crusaded for aviation expansion, and provided Americans with first-hand accounts of his world travels. His earthy anecdotes and folksy style allowed him to poke fun at gangsters, prohibition, politicians, government programs, and a host of other controversial topics in a way that was appreciated by a national audience, with no one offended. His aphorisms, couched in humorous terms, were widely quoted: "I am not a member of an organized political party. I am a Democrat." Another widely quoted Will Rogers comment was "I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts."
Rogers even provided an epigram on his most famous epigram:
When I die, my epitaph, or whatever you call those signs on gravestones, is going to read: "I joked about every prominent man of my time, but I never met a man I dident [sic] like." I am so proud of that, I can hardly wait to die so it can be carved.
Rogers appeared in 21 feature films alongside such noted performers as Lew Ayres, Billie Burke, Richard Cromwell, Jane Darwell, Andy Devine, Janet Gaynor, Rochelle Hudson, Boris Karloff, Myrna Loy, Joel McCrea, Hattie McDaniel, Ray Milland, Maureen O'Sullivan, ZaSu Pitts, Dick Powell, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Mickey Rooney, and Peggy Wood. He was directed three times by John Ford. He appeared in three films with his friend Stepin Fetchit (aka Lincoln T. Perry): David Harum (1934), Judge Priest (1934) and The County Chairman (1935)."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCkyFTiVvCQ

Images:
1. Will Rogers smiling.
2. Will Rogers courtesy of the Library of Congress.
3. Will Rogers with his wife Betty Rogers
4. Will Rogers with pilot Wiley Post.

Biographies
1. cmgww.com/historic/rogers/about/biography/
2. IMDB biography

1. Background from cmgww.com/historic/rogers/about/biography/
"BIOGRAPHY
The youngest of eight children, William Penn Adair Rogers was born on November 4, 1879 at Rogers Ranch in Oologah, Indian Territory (what is now Oklahoma). His parents, Clement Vann Rogers and Mary Schrimsher, were partly of Cherokee descent.

While growing up on the family ranch, Will worked with cattle and learned to ride and lasso from a young age. He grew so talented with a rope, in fact, that he was placed in the Guiness Book of World Records for throwing three lassos at once. One went around the horse’s neck, another circled around the rider, and the third flew under the horse, looping all four legs together.

Will attended several schools during his childhood, including Kemper Military School in Boonville, Missouri from 1897 to 1898. He dropped out in the 10th grade to become a cowboy. In 1902 and 1903, Will traveled in South Africa with “Texas Jack’s Wild West Show,” in which he played “The Cherokee Kid” and did roping tricks. He also traveled in Australia and New Zealand with the Wirth Brothers Circus. Back in the United States in 1904, Will appeared at the World’s Fairs in St. Louis and New York City. Will extended his career in entertainment, touring vaudeville circuits in America, Canada and Europe from 1905-1915. In November 1908, Will married Betty Blake, with whom he had four children (Will Jr., Mary, Jim and Fred). Betty was a loving and supportive wife to Will until his death.

During his years in the vaudeville circuits, as well as his time with Ziegfeld Follies in 1917, Will’s act evolved from the exhibition of his lasso skills that had launched his career to the development of his own unique. Will had always regretted quitting school, and enjoyed talking to people and reading. These two interests became the basis for his humor, which focused on intelligent and amusing observations about people, life, the country and the government in simple language that his audience could understand. Soon, audiences hankered for Will’s humor more than his roping feats.

In 1918, Will began acting in several silent films, including Laughing Bill Hyde (1918) and The Ropin’ Fool (1921), among others. When “talkies” came in, Will became a national star. His several credits in talking films include such titles as They Had to See Paris (1929) and State Fair (1934). His simple language and country roots appealed to audiences, who saw him as one of their own. Throughout his career, Will starred in 71 films and several Broadway productions. In 1934, he was voted the most popular male actor in Hollywood.

Will’s career broadened beyond the realm of show business, as well. He wrote 4,000 syndicated columns and six books, becoming a prominent radio broadcaster and political commentator. He called politics “the best show in the world” and described Congress as the “national joke factory.” His folksy humor and honest, intelligent observations about the government and America earned the respect of the nation. Eventually, Will roped in some nominations of his own. He declined a nomination to be governor of Oklahoma and became honorary mayor of Beverly Hills in 1925. For the 1928 election, Life magazine formed the Anti Bunk Party, in the hope that their nominee for the Presidency of the United States would not talk “bunk,” as other politicians did. Will’s no-nonsense spin on the political “show” made him the obvious candidate for the spoof campaign. Will, promising that he would resign if he won, wrote his observations on the election in Life and became one of the country’s foremost opinion leaders. As a result of his status as a nationally beloved figure and powerful political pundit, Will also came to know many world leaders. He was a guest at the White House and a friend of Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Franklin Roosevelt.

Sadly, Will’s life was cut short at the age of 55. In 1935, he planned a vacation with aviator Wiley Post, flying to Alaska with some stops along the way. Will had already flown all over the world as a reporter, visiting London, Manchuria, Java, Egypt, South America, Japan, Moscow and destinations all over America. The ill-fated flight to Alaska, however, took the life of America’s most beloved celebrity. Tragically, on August 15, 1935, Will and Wiley’s flight crashed near Point Barrow, Alaska, taking both of their lives. Will’s untimely death shocked and saddened the nation. Initially, Will was buried in Los Angeles. However, his wife Betty built a memorial in Claremore, Oklahoma, which was dedicated in 1938 by President Franklin Roosevelt. In 1944 Will’s body and the body of his son Fred, who died at the age of two, were moved to rest there. Betty died that same year, and rests beside her husband and son.

Will Rogers’ political writings and sayings continue to remain relevant to politics today, and his wit and humor continue to endear him to audiences everywhere. A musical, “The Will Rogers Follies,” chronicles the life of the amazing entertainer, humorist and author and keeps his memory alive by introducing him to new audiences. The Will Rogers Institute, which provides funding for research on pulmonary diseases, was established as a fitting memorial to the man who loved all human beings. To find out more about Will Rogers, fans can visit the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma and the Will Rogers Dog Iron Ranch & Birthplace Home in Oologah, Oklahoma."

2. Background from http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0737259/bio
"Will Rogers
Biography Overview
Born November 4, 1879 in Oologah, Indian Territory, USA [now Oklahoma]
Died August 15, 1935 in near Point Barrow, Territory of Alaska, USA (plane crash)
Birth Name William Penn Adair Rogers
Nicknames Bill
Swill Rogers
The Cowboy Philosopher
Height 5' 11" (1.8 m)

Mini Bio
World-famous, widely popular American humorist of the vaudeville stage and of silent and sound films, Will Rogers graduated from military school, but his first real job was in the livestock business in Argentina, of all places. He transported pack animals across the South Atlantic from Buenos Aires to South Africa for use in the Boer War (1899-1902). He stayed in Johannesburg for a short while, appearing there in Wild West shows where he drew upon his expertise with horse and lasso. Returning to America, he brought his talents to vaudeville and by 1917 was a Ziegfeld Follies star. Over the years he gradually blended into his act his unique style of topical, iconoclastic humor, in which he speared the efforts of the powerful to trample the rights of the common man, while twirling his lariat and perhaps chewing on a blade of straw. Although appearing in many silents, he reached his motion-picture zenith with the arrival of sound. Now mass audiences could hear his rural twang as he delivered his homespun philosophy on behalf of Everyman. The appeal and weight of his words carried such weight with the average citizen that he was even nominated for governor of Oklahoma (which he declined).
- IMDb Mini Biography By: Bill Takacs < [login to see] >

Spouse (1)
Betty Blake Rogers
(25 November 1908 - 15 August 1935) ( his death) ( 4 children)

Trade Mark (1)
Warm hearted fatherly roles

Trivia (21)
1. Rogers had four children with wife, Betty. They were: Fred (died 1920), Mary (died 1989), Will Rogers Jr. (died 1993) and Jimmy Rogers (died 2000).
2. Died in the Arctic crash of a plane piloted by the world-renowned, one-eyed pioneer aviator, Wiley Post (in which Post died as well).
3. His birthplace in the Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) is cited variously as Colagah, Colgah or Cologah. The correct name is "Oologah", which is situated in the northeast corner of the state, approximately 25 miles/40 kilometers north-northeast of Tulsa.
4. In 1922 his weekly articles for the "New York Times" became so popular that they appeared in more than 500 U.S. newspapers daily. The articles dished out down-to-earth, biting criticism of politics, politicians, big business and the imbalance of the wealthy and the poor. In all, Rogers wrote more than 2,800 daily articles up until his death. H.L. Mencken labeled him "the most dangerous man alive" because of the power his comments had on an adoring public.
5. Buried in Claremore, Oklahoma, at the Will Rogers Memorial. There's a lot of memorabilia, and it's a popular tourist attraction.
6. Was part Cherokee Indian.
7. Pictured on a 3¢ US postage stamp in the Famous Americans series, issued 4 November 1948.
8. Pictured on a 15¢ US commemorative postage stamp in the Performing Arts and Artists series, 4 November 1979.
9. Attended Kemper Military School & College in Boonville, Missouri.
10. As host of the 1933 Academy Awards ceremony, he made a minor blunder when announcing the Best Director Award. After reading the nominees he told the winner, "Come and get it, Frank!" Frank Capra (nominated for Lady for a Day (1933)) was halfway to the podium before he realized Rogers meant Frank Lloyd (winner for Cavalcade (1933)). Capra could well afford to lick his wounds: He won the following year for It Happened One Night (1934) and became Academy President the year after that.
11. A friend, and frequent critic, of several U.S. Presidents, Rogers once visited Warren G. Harding (1865-1923, President 1921-1923) and said, "'Morning, Mr. President! Would you like to hear the latest political jokes?" Harding replied, "You don't have to, Will. I appointed them."
12. Charter member of the Hall of Great Westerners of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 1955.
13. While growing up on the family ranch, he worked with cattle and learned to ride and lasso from a young age. He grew so talented with a rope, in fact, that he was placed in the Guinness Book of World Records for throwing three lassos at once. One went around the horse's neck, another circled around the rider, and the third flew under the horse, looping all four legs together.
14. Cousin of Clu Gulager.
15. Has a turnpike named in his honor. The Will Rogers Turnpike is in northeast Oklahoma running from just outside of Tulsa, through Will's hometown of Claremore to the Missouri state line.
16. He was awarded 2 Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Radio at 6608 Hollywood Boulevard and for Motion Pictures at 6401 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
17. Served as Honorary Mayor of Beverly Hills, California, from 1926-1928.
18. Was portrayed by his son, Will Rogers Jr., in the movie, The Story of Will Rogers (1952).
19. Inducted into The National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum Hall of Fame in 2011.
20. Made his last public appearance on the stage of the California Theater in San Bernardino, CA. A small bronze plaque on the wall of the theater's entrance commemorates that appearance, stating, "On August 15, 1935, Will Rogers made his last public appearance on the stage of this theater." It is there to this day.
21. On November 4, 2019, he was honored with a Google Doodle.

Personal Quotes (49)
1. It's a good thing we don't get all the government we pay for.
2. There's only one thing that can kill the movies, and that's education.
3. I love a dog. He does nothing for political reasons.
4. No man can be condemned for owning a dog. As long as he has a dog, he has a friend; and the poorer he gets, the better friend he has.
5. Being a hero is about the shortest-lived profession on Earth.
6. A remark generally hurts in proportion to its truth.
7. Diplomats are just as essential to starting a war as soldiers are for finishing it . . . You take diplomacy out of war, and the thing would fall flat in a week.
8. My ancestors may not have come over on the Mayflower, but they met 'em at the boat.
9. Everything is funny, as long as it's happening to somebody else.
10. The movies are the only business where you can go out front and applaud yourself.
11. [last words, in a radio broadcast by Rogers before the plane crash in which he and Wiley Post were killed] Well, Wiley's got her warmed up. Let's go.
12. I never met a man I didn't like.
13. There's two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither one works.
14. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
15. Broad-minded is just another way of saying a fellow is too lazy to form an opinion.
16. When the Okies left Oklahoma and moved to California, it raised the I.Q. of both states.
17. Diplomacy is the art of saying "Nice doggie" until you can find a rock.
18. Make crime pay. Become a lawyer.
19. I'm not a real movie star. I've still got the same wife I started out with 28 years ago.
20. Always drink upstream from the herd.
21. And the thing about my jokes is, they don't hurt anybody. You can take 'em or leave 'em - you can say they're funny or they're terrible or they're good, or whatever, but you can just pass 'em by. But with Congress, every time they make a joke, it's a law! And every time they make a law, it's a joke!
22. Everything is changing. People are taking the comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke.
23. I am not a member of any organized political party. I am a Democrat.
24. Let advertisers spend the same amount of money improving their product that they do on advertising and they wouldn't have to advertise it.
25. Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.
26. When you put down the good things you ought to have done and leave out the bad things you did do -- that's Memoirs.
27. If you make any money, the government shoves you in the creek once a year with it in your pockets, and all that don't get wet you can keep.
28. My father was one eighth Cherokee and my mother one fourth Cherokee, which I figure makes me about an eight cigar-store Injun.
29. Do the best you can, and don't take life too serious.
30. Anything important is never left to the vote of the people. We only get to vote on some man; we never get to vote on what he is to do.
31. There is nothing so stupid as the educated man if you get him off the thing he was educated in.
32. People's minds are changed through observation and not through argument.
33. If we ever pass out as a great nation we ought to put on our tombstone, 'America died from a delusion that she has moral leadership.'
34. I can remember way back when a liberal was one who was generous with his own money.
35. The minute you read something that you can't understand, you can almost be sure it was drawn up by a lawyer.
36. We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.
37. Nothing you can't spell will ever work.
38. The man with the best job in the country is the Vice President. All he has to do is get up every morning and say, "How's the President?"
39. Liberty don't work as good in practice as it does in speeches.
40. Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
41. I don't care how poor and inefficient a little country is; they like to run their own business. I know men that would make my wife a better husband than I am, but, darn it, I'm not going to give her to 'em.
42. You can't say that civilization don't advance, however, for in every war they kill you in a new way.
43. [on looking over the Academy Awards audience, 1934]: This looks like the last roundup of the ermine.
44. [on Commitee] Outside of traffic, there is nothing that has held this country back as much as committees.
45. Most people and actors appearing on the stage have some writer write their material. I don't do that. Congress is good enough for me. They have been writing my material for years.
46. The trouble with practical jokes is that very often they get elected.
47. [on introducing comic banter to his rope-twirling routines] The first gag I ever pulled was when I got my rope all tangled up and says, 'A rope ain't bad to get tangled up in if it ain't around your neck'.
48. Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.
49. If we got one-tenth of what was promised to us in these State of the Union speeches, there wouldn't be any inducement to go to heaven.

Salary (5)
1. Laughing Bill Hyde (1918)
2. $150 /week
3. They Had to See Paris (1929)
4. $150,000
5. So This Is London (1930)
6. $150,000
7. Lightnin' (1930)
8. $150,000
9. A Connecticut Yankee (1931)
10. $150,000"

FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Wayne Brandon Maj William W. "Bill" Price Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown 1stSgt Eugene Harless SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SFC William Farrell SSgt Robert Marx TSgt Joe C. SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Robert Ruck SP5 Mark Kuzinski SrA Christopher Wright SGT Robert George SPC (Join to see) MSG Andrew White SGT (Join to see)

It certainly was tragic to lose Will Rogers at such a young age.