Jay Kirby

Jay Kirby

Deceased · Born: Jan 28, 1920 · Died: Jul 30, 1964

Personal Details

BornJan 28, 1920 Kansas City, Missouri, USA
Spouse
  • Carmella Bergstrom

    ( Aug 28, 1946 to Dec 1, 2025 )
  • Donivee Lee

    ( Jun 26, 1942 to Dec 1, 2025 )

Biography

William B. George, later known as Bill George, was an American actor, best recognized for his roles in a series of Hopalong Cassidy Western films during the 1940s. He portrayed the youthful sidekick, Johnny Travers, alongside Hopalong Cassidy.

Born in Missouri, George began his acting career in 1942, when he was cast to replace Russell Hayden in the Hopalong Cassidy film series. Prior to his acting career, George served briefly as an aviation cadet in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.

Despite his military service, George continued to appear on screen throughout the war and for several years afterward. In 1949, he reverted to his real name, Bill George, and continued his acting career under this name.

George remained active in the film industry until 1957, when he eventually left acting altogether. He passed away at the age of 44 and was buried in the Los Angeles National Cemetery.

Career

1949
Masked Raiders
Masked Raiders as Luke Trevitt
1948
Son of God's Country
Son of God's Country as Frank Thornton
Oklahoma Badlands
Oklahoma Badlands as Ken Rawlins
1946
1945
Rockin' in the Rockies
Rockin' in the Rockies as Rusty Williams
1944
Sheriff of Las Vegas
Sheriff of Las Vegas as Tom Blackwell
Sundown Riders
Sundown Riders as Jay Kirby
Marshal of Reno
Marshal of Reno as Danny Boyd
Zorro's Black Whip
Zorro's Black Whip as Randolph Meredith
1943
Leather Burners
Leather Burners as Johnny Travers
Border Patrol
Border Patrol as Johnny Travers
Colt Comrades
Colt Comrades as Johnny Travers
Hoppy Serves a Writ
Hoppy Serves a Writ as Johnny Travers
1942
Undercover Man
Undercover Man as Breezy Travers
Lost Canyon
Lost Canyon as Johnny Travers