Forrest Tucker, a renowned actor, was born on February 12, 1919, in Plainfield, Indiana. He began his career at the age of 14 at the 1933 Chicago "Century of Progress" World's Fair, where he worked as a chair pusher by day and a singer by night.
Tucker's family relocated to Arlington, Virginia, where he attended Washington-Lee High School in 1938. Due to his large stature, he was hired by the Old Gayety Burlesque Theater in Washington, D.C., to serve as a Master of Ceremonies. However, he was initially fired for being underage, only to be rehired once he turned 18.
After high school, Tucker played semi-pro football and enlisted in the National Guard. He also entered the film industry, landing a supporting role in William Wyler's "The Westerner" (1940) alongside Gary Cooper and Walter Brennan.
Tucker moved to California and began auditioning for film roles. He appeared in several Poverty Row films, including "Emergency Landing" (1941) and "Keeper of the Flame" (1942),before serving in World War II.
Following his military service, Tucker resumed his acting career, starring in films such as "The Yearling" (1946) and "Sands of Iwo Jima" (1949). He also signed with Republic Pictures, where he appeared in numerous "B" pictures, including "Rock Island Trail" (1950),"California Passage" (1950),and "Ride the Man Down" (1952).
Tucker's breakthrough role came in 1958, when he played Beauregard Burnside in "Auntie Mame," the highest-grossing US film of the year. He also appeared on Broadway in "The Music Man" (1962) and "Fair Game for Lovers" (1964).
Tucker's most famous role was as scheming cavalry sergeant Morgan O'Rourke in the ABC television series "F Troop" (1965-1967),which he starred in alongside Larry Storch, Ken Berry, and James Hampton.
After "F Troop," Tucker continued to work in film and television, appearing in supporting roles and character leads. He also starred in several stage productions, including "Plaza Suite" (1971),"Show Boat" (1936),and "That Championship Season" (1982).
Tucker died on October 25, 1986, at the age of 67, due to complications from lung cancer and emphysema. He was buried in Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills Cemetery in Los Angeles.
