Baseball served as the foundation for Fred Graham's entry into the world of motion pictures. In 1928, he was employed by the MGM sound department, concurrently playing semi-professional baseball on the side. The studio was in the process of producing a murder mystery film, titled Death on the Diamond, starring Robert Young and Nat Pendleton. Graham was hired to instruct Young and Pendleton on the finer aspects of the game, and he doubled Pendleton in the catching scenes. This marked the beginning of his over 40-year career as a stuntman and actor.
While at the studio, Graham doubled Clark Gable, Nelson Eddy, and Charles Bickford. He later transitioned to Warner Bros. in 1938, and his initial assignment was to double Basil Rathbone in The Adventures of Robin Hood. In 1941, he joined Republic Pictures, where he worked on the studio's renowned westerns and serials. Graham was a key member of the team of stunt experts, including notable professionals such as David Sharpe and Tom Steele, responsible for Republic's reputation as having the best stunt department in the business.
Graham had the opportunity to work with John Wayne, doubling for him in many films made at the studio. He also appeared in numerous films as an actor, typically playing roles such as truck drivers, cops, soldiers, and crooks. In 1968, he shifted his focus to the Arizona Department of Economic Planning and Development of Motion Pictures, playing a pivotal role in bringing filming to the state of Arizona.
In Arizona, he is remembered for his contributions to the state's film industry, and the "Carefree at Southwest Studios" facility, formerly known as "The Graham Studio," is a testament to his dedication. Graham earned the nickname "Slugger" during his time at Republic Pictures, a moniker that stuck with him throughout his career. Unfortunately, "Slugger" passed away in 1978.
