Introduction
John Lupton was an American actor who appeared in numerous movies and television shows during the 1950s and 1960s. He was best known for his roles in westerns, including the TV series “Broken Arrow” and the film “The Missouri Traveler.” This article will provide a biography of John Lupton, including information about his early life, career, and cause of death.
Early Life and Career
John Rollin Lupton was born on August 23, 1928, in Highland Park, Michigan. He attended the University of Michigan and later transferred to the University of Southern California, where he studied drama. After graduation, Lupton began his acting career in the theater before moving to Hollywood in the early 1950s.
Lupton’s first film role was in the 1952 drama “The Winning Team,” starring Ronald Reagan. He went on to appear in a number of films throughout the decade, including “The Charge at Feather River,” “The Boy from Oklahoma,” and “The Missouri Traveler.” In 1956, Lupton was cast as the lead in the TV series “Broken Arrow,” which ran for three seasons and made him a household name.
TV Shows
Broken Arrow
“Broken Arrow” was a western TV series that aired from 1956 to 1958. Lupton starred as Tom Jeffords, a historical figure who served as a mediator between the Apache and the United States Army in the late 19th century. The show was based on the 1950 film of the same name and was one of the first TV series to feature a Native American as a lead character.
The Big Valley
Lupton appeared in two episodes of the popular western TV series “The Big Valley” in the 1960s. He played different characters in each episode, which were titled “The Brawlers” and “The Velvet Trap.”
Movies
The Missouri Traveler
“The Missouri Traveler” is a 1958 film in which Lupton played the lead role of Jerry Calvin. The movie is a coming-of-age story set in the early 1900s and follows Jerry as he travels through rural Missouri and learns valuable life lessons from the people he meets along the way.
The Boy from Oklahoma
“The Boy from Oklahoma” is a 1954 western film in which Lupton played the supporting role of Tom Brewster. The movie stars Will Rogers Jr. as a lawman who tries to bring peace to a town that is being terrorized by a gang of outlaws.
Cause of Death
John Lupton passed away on November 3, 1993, at the age of 65. The cause of his death was lung cancer. Lupton had been a heavy smoker for many years, and his illness was attributed to his smoking habit.
Conclusion
John Lupton was a talented actor who made a name for himself in the world of television and film during the 1950s and 1960s. He will always be remembered for his iconic role in “Broken Arrow” and his contributions to the western genre. Although his life was cut short by lung cancer, his legacy lives on through his work on screen.
