Randolph Scott

Actor[30]

What is Randolph Scott known for?

George Randolph Scott, born January 23, 1898 in Orange County, Virginia, was a renowned American film actor best known for his towering presence and Southern charm. His career spanned an impressive span from 1928 to 1962, during which he dabbled in an array of film genres — from social and crime dramas to comedies, musicals, adventure tales, war films, and even a sprinkling of horror and fantasy flicks. However, Randolph Scott's most enduring image is that of the quintessential Western Hero, with over 60 of his more than 100 film appearances being in Westerns. He was most recognized by his easygoing charm and courtly Southern drawl, which contributed significantly to his enduring on-screen persona.

Scott notably worked with many acclaimed screen directors such as Henry King, Rouben Mamoulian, Michael Curtiz, John Cromwell, King Vidor, Allan Dwan, Fritz Lang, Sam Peckinpah, and Henry Hathaway. His towering height of 6 ft 2 in, along with his lanky, muscular physique, greatly helped his early acting career where he was often characterized as 'stiff' or 'lumbering'. However, as he matured, his acting was recognized as having improved, and his strong, silent on-screen persona became a trademark.

Throughout the 1950s, Scott was a consistent box-office draw, making the annual 'Top Ten Polls' for four consecutive years from 1950 to 1953. He was also featured in Quigley's Top Ten Money Makers Poll during the same period.

Scott's upbringing was in Charlotte, North Carolina. Born to parents of Scottish descent, he was the second of six siblings. Thanks to his family's financial status, he was able to attend private schools, such as Woodberry Forest School, where he excelled in a variety of sports, including football, baseball, horse racing, and swimming.

As a young man, Randolph Scott answered the call to serve during World War I. In July 1917, he joined a unit of the North Carolina National Guard and served as an artillery observer. He earned promotions to corporal in October 1917 and sergeant in February 1918. In May 1918, Scott entered active duty at Fort Monroe, Virginia, as a member of the 2nd Trench Mortar Battalion.

Randolph Scott passed away on March 2, 1987, in Beverly Hills, California and rests in Elmwood Cemetery, Charlotte, North Carolina.