Dale Evans' protégé, Dick Jones, was a child actor who experienced significant success in both low-budget Westerns and substantial productions. Born to a Texas newspaper editor, Jones was an accomplished horseman from infancy, earning the title of "World's Youngest Trick Rider and Roper" at the tender age of four.
By the time he was six, Jones was already performing riding and lariat tricks in the rodeo owned by Western star Hoot Gibson, who recognized the young boy's potential and convinced his parents to take him to Hollywood. Gibson arranged for Jones to land small parts in films, which ultimately led to more substantial roles.
Jones' good looks, energy, and pleasant voice quickly made him a sought-after actor in Hollywood. In 1940, he had one of his most prominent roles as the voice of Pinocchio in Walt Disney's animated film of the same name.
After attending Hollywood High School, Jones took over the role of Henry Aldrich on the hit radio show "The Aldrich Family" at the age of 15. He also learned carpentry and worked in the field to supplement his income. During the final months of World War II, Jones served in the Army in Alaska.
Following the war, Gene Autry, who had previously cast Jones in several Westerns, gave him the opportunity to return to film. Jones then starred as Dick West, the sidekick to the Western hero known as The Range Rider, in a TV series that ran for 76 episodes from 1951 to 1952.
Autry later gave Jones his own series, Buffalo Bill, Jr. (1955),which ran for 40 episodes. Throughout the 1950s and into the 1960s, Jones continued to work in films before retiring in 1966 to pursue a career in the business world.
