Woody Strode broke barriers and made significant contributions to society in various aspects of his life and career. While Strode’s impact may not be as widely recognized as some other historical figures, his determination and success in breaking barriers in professional football and Hollywood have made a lasting impact on the sports and entertainment industries, as well as on the fight for racial equality. Free Sports Magazine proudly presents the abridged story of his life.
Western movie fans may not know Woody Strode was a professional American football player before transitioning into acting. Born on July 25, 1914, in Los Angeles, California, Strode attended UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles), where he excelled in athletics, particularly in football and track and field.
Strode played as a standout fullback and defensive lineman for the UCLA Bruins football team during the late 1930s. His performance in college earned him recognition, and he was named to the All-American team in 1939. Making things more interesting, one of Strode’s teammates was THE Jackie Robinson. Yes, you read that correctly. Woody Strode and Jackie Robinson were indeed teammates on the same football team.
In 1939, both Strode and Robinson played for the UCLA Bruins which went undefeated with a record of 8-0-1 that season. During their time at UCLA, Strode played as a standout fullback and defensive lineman, while Robinson played as a running back. Strode’s physicality, strength, and versatility on the field, combined with Robinson’s speed and agility, contributed to the team’s success. Their undefeated season in 1939 remains a notable achievement in UCLA football history to this day.
After college, Strode played professional football in the NFL (National Football League). He signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 1946, becoming one of the first African-American players in the league’s modern era. Strode played for the Rams for two seasons before finishing his football career in Canada, where he played for the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Following his football career, Strode transitioned into acting and appeared in numerous films and television shows. Strode’s athletic background often played a role in the types of characters he portrayed on screen, bringing a physicality and presence to his performances. The football star turned thespian delivered several outstanding performances throughout his acting career. While opinions may vary on his best movie performances, there were some notable ones that garnered critical acclaim and showcased his talent. Each film showcased different facets of his skillset, making it difficult to pinpoint a single best performance:
1. Spartacus (1960) – Strode portrayed the character of Draba, a gladiator in this epic historical drama. His memorable fight scene with Kirk Douglas’s character remains one of the film’s highlights.
2. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) – Strode’s role as Pompey, a loyal ranch hand, in this classic Western showcased his strength and stoic presence. His chemistry with John Wayne’s character added depth to the film.
3. Sergeant Rutledge (1960) – Strode played the title role of Sergeant Braxton Rutledge, a Buffalo Soldier accused of rape and murder. His portrayal of Rutledge’s dignity and strength in the face of injustice was highly praised.
4. Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) – In this Sergio Leone spaghetti Western, Strode portrayed Stony, one of the gunmen hired to intimidate the protagonist. He showcased his physicality and intensity in a standout performance.
5. The Professionals (1966) – Strode’s role as Jake Sharp, a member of a group of mercenaries, displayed his versatility as an actor. He brought depth to the character and shared excellent chemistry with his co-stars.
While Woody Strode had a successful and exciting career, he should be most remembered for the multiple barriers he broke on the field, in front of the camera, and in real life.
He was one of the first African-American players in the modern era of the National Football League (NFL). He signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 1946, paving the way for future generations of Black athletes in professional football.
As an actor, he faced challenges and racial barriers in the film industry. However, he managed to carve out a successful career in an era when opportunities for Black actors were limited. He played diverse roles that went beyond stereotypes, helping to open doors for other African-American actors in Hollywood. Strode worked alongside Sidney Poitier, another trailblazing African-American actor, in the film “The Defiant Ones” (1958). Their performances in the movie, which addressed racial tensions and prejudice, helped bring attention to issues of racial equality and social justice.
Woody Strode passed away on December 31, 1994 after a battle with lung cancer. His final film was The Quick and the Dead (1995) which was released posthumously and directed by Sam Raimi of Evil Dead and Spiderman fame. In the movie, Strode finds himself in the Wild West yet again and is surrounded by an all-star ensemble cast for one last time. And while it is easy to watch Strode portray a wandering gunfighter named Charlie Moonlight, it is easier to forget his achievements and contributions as an athlete and actor were made in the face of many racial barriers. Strode’s courage and talent is not be forgotten and should continue to serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes, actors, and other professionals.
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