John McCrea, a renowned American Western star, and a leading man in non-Western films, was born and raised in the vicinity of Hollywood. As a young boy, he developed a fascination with the movies being produced in his surroundings. He pursued acting at Pomona College and gained stage experience at the Pasadena Community Playhouse, where future stars like Randolph Scott, Robert Young, and Victor Mature also got their start.
After graduating from the University of Southern California in 1928, McCrea worked as an extra and did some stunt work. He landed a part in The Jazz Age, a rare opportunity for an extra to play a major role. This led to a contract at MGM and later at RKO. His career received a significant boost when Will Rogers, a famous comedian and actor, took a liking to the young man and shared his passion for ranching and roping.
McCrea's wholesome good looks and quiet demeanor soon made him a sought-after leading man, primarily in romantic dramas and comedies. He became increasingly popular and hoped to focus on Westerns, but it took several years to convince studio heads to cast him in one. When he finally did, he proved successful and went on to make many more Westerns.
However, McCrea continued to make a mark in other types of films, particularly in the light comedies of Preston Sturges, for whom he made several films. By the late 1940s, his focus shifted to Westerns, and he made few non-Western films thereafter. He remained immensely popular in the genre, and most of his Westerns still hold up well today.
McCrea and Randolph Scott, whose career closely resembled his own, came out of retirement to make the classic Western, Ride the High Country (1962),directed by Sam Peckinpah. Scott retired after this film, while McCrea made a few more appearances in small films before focusing on his life as a gentleman rancher. He was married to actress Frances Dee for 57 years, until his passing.
