Ray Corrigan was a renowned physical culturist and exceptional athlete, whose impressive physical prowess and versatility as an athlete paved the way for a successful career in Hollywood. Initially, he worked as a physical fitness trainer for movie stars, before gradually transitioning to acting, landing bit parts in 1932.
This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey, as Corrigan went on to secure action roles in notable films such as Undersea Kingdom (1936) and The Leathernecks Have Landed (1936). The same year, he commenced his iconic role as Tucson Smith in Republic Pictures' "Three Mesquiteer" series, starring in an impressive 24 films within the franchise before departing in 1939.
Additionally, Corrigan was a stalwart member of the "Range Busters" series, appearing in 20 out of the 24 films that ran from 1940 to 1943. Later in his career, he took on memorable roles in The White Gorilla (1945) and Killer Ape (1953),as well as the title character in the sci-fi classic It! The Terror from Beyond Space (1958).
After retiring from the acting world, Corrigan went on to establish a range of successful businesses. One of his most notable ventures was Corriganville, a ranch and town used for filming TV and movie westerns. His nickname "Crash" was derived from his impressive physique and willingness to undertake daring stunts, a testament to his fearlessness and physical prowess.
Biography:
Ray Corrigan was born on October 14, 1902, in Ashland, Kansas. He grew up in a family of modest means, with his father working as a farmer. Corrigan's early life was marked by a strong interest in physical fitness and athletics, which would eventually become the foundation of his successful career.
Corrigan's athletic prowess led him to become a professional football player, playing for several teams before transitioning to Hollywood. His physical culturist background and experience as an athlete made him an ideal candidate to work as a physical fitness trainer for movie stars.
As his acting career progressed, Corrigan became known for his versatility, taking on a range of roles in various genres. He was a beloved figure in the film industry, respected for his physical abilities and willingness to take on challenging stunts.
Corrigan's legacy extends beyond his acting career, as he went on to establish a range of successful businesses. His ranch and town, Corriganville, became a hub for filming TV and movie westerns, cementing his status as a pioneer in the film industry.
Throughout his life, Corrigan was known for his charismatic personality, physical prowess, and entrepreneurial spirit. His remarkable career and achievements serve as a testament to his dedication and perseverance, leaving a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.
