Roger Herren was a stunning young American actor who enjoyed a brief period of acclaim in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Possessing a striking physical appearance and southern charm, Herren seemed destined for stardom, yet his acting career was marked by only one credited film role and one credited stage role.
Born in September 1945 in Baxter, Tennessee, Herren was the eldest of four sons born to a carpenter father and homemaker mother. He served in the United States Navy, where he was stationed in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged in 1968. Prior to his military service, Herren excelled as a volleyball player, earning a reputation as Olympic caliber when he competed in the International Military League as a boy.
Following his military service, Herren secured an uncredited role in the 1969 musical film production of Lerner and Loewe's Paint Your Wagon, starring Clint Eastwood and Lee Marvin. He also appeared in stage productions of "The Boys in the Band" in the southwest United States, playing the role of a cowboy gigolo.
Herren's acting career peaked with his co-starring performance as Rusty Godowsky in the 1970 film adaptation of Gore Vidal's 1968 bestseller, Myra Breckinridge. The controversial film featured established stars Raquel Welch, Mae West, and John Huston, as well as newcomers Farrah Fawcett and Tom Selleck. However, the film was a commercial failure, and Herren's acting career began to decline.
Throughout his brief time in the spotlight, Herren's personal life was marked by a series of tumultuous relationships, including a romance with Barbara Thinnes, the ex-wife of actor Roy Thinnes. He resided in Santa Barbara, California, and could often be found on the beach until his death at the age of 68.
