Ben Johnson Net Worth, Height, Age, & Personal Info Wiki

Howard Hughes’ film The Outlaw launched johnson’s film career. Johnson later claimed that he arrived in Hollywood in a carload of horses. His stunt work caught the attention of director John Ford, who hired Johnson for stunt work in the 1948 film Fort Apache and as Henry Fonda’s riding double. Horses that are pulling a wagon with three men stampeded during the shooting. Johnson, who was “settin’ on a horse,” stopped the fleeing wagon and saved the men. When Ford promised to reward him, Johnson hoped it would be with another doubling role or a small speaking role. Instead, Ford offered him a seven-year acting contract. Ford summoned Johnson to his office and handed him an envelope containing a contract. Johnson began reading it, and when he reached the fifth line, which said “$5,000 a week,” he stopped reading, grabbed a pen, signed it, and returned it to Ford.

His first credited role was in Ford’s 3 Godfathers, which is notable for Johnson and star Pedro Armendáriz’s riding skills. Later, he stated that the film was the most physically demanding of his career. Ford then suggested that he play Gregg opposite Terry Moore in the 1949 film Mighty Joe Young. Ford cast him in the final two films in what became known as Ford’s cavalry trilogy, all starring John Wayne: She Wore a Yellow Ribbon and the Rio Grande at Fort Apache. Johnson’s riding ability was on display in both roles. Johnson was also cast as the lead in one of Ford’s favorite films, Wagon Master.

Ben Johnson did not have a bad temper in real life; his demeanor in tense situations was calm but firm. Although he was known for avoiding drama, he had strong boundaries; during the filming of Rio Grande, he reportedly told Ford, who was notorious for browbeating his actors, for going to hell. Johnson thought the incident had passed him by, but Ford did not cast him in another film for over a decade. Johnson also appeared in four Sam Peckinpah films and had a good relationship with the volatile director. Johnson’s authenticity and lack of acting airs were appreciated by Peckinpah. (4)