Monte Hale | Singing cowboy, 89
Monte Hale, 89, a singing cowboy whose tall frame, strong voice, and handsome looks led to dozens of film roles in westerns during the 1940s, died Sunday at his home in Studio City, Calif., said Yadhira De Leon of the Autry National Center of the American West.
Monte Hale, 89, a singing cowboy whose tall frame, strong voice, and handsome looks led to dozens of film roles in westerns during the 1940s, died Sunday at his home in Studio City, Calif., said Yadhira De Leon of the Autry National Center of the American West.
Born in San Angelo, Texas, Mr. Hale picked up the guitar as a teen and was discovered as a player at a war-bond rally during World War II.
Recommended for a screen test in Hollywood for Republic Pictures, he hitchhiked from Texas to California. He ended up snagging a part in 1944's The Big Bonanza, then signed on to a seven-year contract with Republic.
Mr. Hale starred in almost 20 of his own films, including 1946's Home on the Range with Robert Blake and Out California Way.
After departing the studio, he appeared in other movies, including 1956's Giant with James Dean and 1966's The Chase with Marlon Brando. He also guest-starred on television shows such as Gunsmoke, Honey West, and Tales of Wells Fargo.
Mr. Hale and his wife, Joanne, cofounded the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum, later renamed the Autry Museum of Western Heritage and now part of the Autry National Center, with the late singing cowboy Gene Autry and his widow, Jackie.
- AP