Ben Johnson Jr.

Ben Johnson Jr. is a Canadian former sprinter who gained notoriety for winning and subsequently being stripped of his 1988 Olympic 100m gold medal due to a doping violation.

Movie Actor

June 13, 1918

April 08, 1996

77

Ben Johnson Jr. was an American film and television actor, stuntman, and world champion rodeo cowboy known for his authentic roles in Westerns and expert horsemanship. He gained fame for his performance in The Last Picture Show, for which he won an Academy Award. Other notable works include Hang ‘Em High, Shane, Wagon Master, and The Wild Bunch.

Born on June 13, 1918, in Foraker, Oklahoma, Johnson grew up on a ranch in Pawhuska, where he developed a passion for horses and rodeo. He began his career as a rodeo rider and stuntman in the 1930s before transitioning to acting in the 1940s.

Johnson’s breakthrough came with supporting roles in films like “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon” and “Rio Grande.” He rose to prominence as a leading man in Westerns during the 1950s and 1960s, collaborating with renowned directors such as John Ford and Sam Peckinpah.

Throughout his career, Johnson received critical acclaim for his performances. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “The Last Picture Show” and earned a Golden Globe Award nomination for “Shane.” Johnson was also inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

Beyond his acting career, Johnson was an accomplished rodeo rider, winning several championships in steer wrestling and saddle bronc riding. He served in the United States Army during World War II and was known for his distinctive deep voice and often played gruff, no-nonsense characters. Johnson was a close friend of fellow Western actor John Wayne and appeared in several films with him.

Ben Johnson Jr. passed away on April 8, 1996, at the age of 77, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as an actor, stuntman, and rodeo champion.