Clyde Howdy

{{short description|American actor and stuntman}}

{{Infobox person

|name = Clyde Howdy

|birth_name = Clyde Woodard Houdeshell{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=10dXAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA134|title=Hollywood Stunt Performers, 1910s-1970s: A Biographical Dictionary, 2d ed.|pages=134–135|first=Gene|last=Scott Freese|date=April 10, 2014|publisher=McFarland|isbn=9780786476435|via=Google Books}}

|birth_date = {{birth date|1921|05|31}}

|birth_place = Ohio, U.S.

|death_date = {{death date and age|1969|10|02|1921|05|31}}

|death_place = Los Angeles County, California, U.S.

|occupation = Actor, stuntman

|years_active = 1955–1969

|spouse = Kay Howdy{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/333334289/|title=Clyde Houdeshell Dies|work=The Signal|location=Santa Clarita, California|date=October 8, 1969|access-date=July 15, 2022|page=15|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Closed access}}

|children = 3

}}

Clyde Woodard Houdeshell (May 31, 1921 – October 2, 1969) was an American actor and stuntman.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/30343270/|title=Valley Men to Aid Bike Safety Day|work=Valley News|location=Van Nuys, California|date=April 27, 1961|access-date=July 15, 2022|page=31|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Closed access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/698507142/|title=Western Actor In Roundup Of Burglary Pair|work=Red Bluff Tehama County Daily News|location=Red Bluff, California|date=January 9, 1965|access-date=July 15, 2022|page=1|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Closed access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/160932292/|title=Actor Portrays Hero Captures 2 Burglars|first=Gordon|last=Grant|work=Los Angeles Times|location=Los Angeles, California|date=September 7, 1965|access-date=July 15, 2022|page=107|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Closed access}}{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D9k1DwAAQBAJ|title=Classic Movie Fight Scenes: 75 Years of Bare Knuckle Brawls, 1914-1989|page=137|first=Gene|last=Freese|publisher=McFarland|date=October 5, 2017|isbn=9781476669434|via=Google Books}} He was known for playing the recurring role of assistant park ranger Hank Whitfield in the American children's adventure television series Lassie. He was also known for his appearances in the American western television series Cheyenne and as a double for actor Clint Walker.

Life and career

Howdy was born in Ohio. He served in the United States Navy. He began his career in 1955, first appearing in the western television series The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp. He then made an appearance to the western television series Annie Oakley. He served as a member of the Freedom Riders since 1960 for which he had earned popularity. He was also a member of the Viewfinders Motorcycle Club.

In 1959, Howdy made his stunt debut in the film The Young Land, which starred Patrick Wayne and Yvonne Craig. In the same year, he served as a stunt for actor Clint Walker in the film Yellowstone Kelly.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/598390550/|title=Tall, but Short|work=The Salt Lake Tribune|location=Salt Lake City, Utah|date=August 22, 1959|access-date=July 15, 2022|page=10|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Closed access}} Howdy appeared in the films such as 4 for Texas, The Shakiest Gun in the West, The Chase, Bonnie and Clyde, PT 109 (as Leon Drawdy), Black Gold, Fort Dobbs and Send Me No Flowers.

Howdy guest-starred in television programs including Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Lawman, Get Smart, Daniel Boone, The Virginian, Maverick, F Troop, The Jack Benny Program, The Big Valley and Death Valley Days. He made numerous appearances in various roles in Cheyenne. Howdy was also a double for actor Clint Walker. He was considered a friend of Walker. His final credit was from the 1970 film There Was a Crooked Man..., which was released after his death.

Death

Howdy died in October 1969 of lung cancer at the Altadena Hospital in Los Angeles County, California, at the age of 48.

References

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