Introduction
Steve Forrest was an American actor who had a successful career in Hollywood. He appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, and his talent and charisma made him a favorite among audiences. In this blog post, we will explore the life and career of Steve Forrest, from his early days on Gunsmoke to his later work in Hollywood movies and TV shows.
Early Life and Career
Family and Childhood
Steve Forrest was born William Forrest Andrews in Huntsville, Texas, in 1925. He was the youngest of thirteen children, and his family was poor. His father was a Baptist minister, and his mother was a schoolteacher. Despite the family’s financial struggles, Forrest had a happy childhood and was close to his siblings.
Early Acting Career
Forrest’s acting career began in the 1940s when he joined the military and performed in Army training films. After his discharge, he moved to Hollywood and signed with MGM. He appeared in several movies in the 1950s, including So Big, The Long Gray Line, and The Blue and the Gray. His breakthrough role came in 1959 when he was cast as the villain in the western TV series Gunsmoke.
Hollywood Career
Movies
After his success on Gunsmoke, Forrest continued to work in Hollywood movies. He appeared in several films in the 1960s, including Flaming Star, North to Alaska, and The Hallelujah Trail. In the 1970s, he starred in the disaster movie Airport 1975 and the action film Mommie Dearest. He continued to work in movies throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with his last film role in 2003’s Shade.
TV Shows
In addition to his movie work, Forrest also appeared in numerous TV shows throughout his career. He had guest roles on popular shows like The Twilight Zone, The Love Boat, and Murder, She Wrote. He also had recurring roles on shows like S.W.A.T. and Dallas. His last TV role was in 2002 when he appeared on an episode of the medical drama ER.
Personal Life
Family
Steve Forrest had two brothers who were also actors, Dana Andrews and David Forrest. He was married to his wife, Christine, for over 60 years until his death in 2013. They had four children together.
Legacy
Steve Forrest’s talent and charisma made him a beloved actor during his career. He was a versatile performer who could play both heroes and villains with equal skill. His legacy lives on through his numerous movies and TV shows, and he remains a favorite among fans of classic Hollywood cinema.
