William Scott “Jack” Elam was an American actor born on November 13, 1918, in Miami, Arizona. Known for his distinctive looks and quirky personality, Elam appeared in over 200 films and television series during his career.
He was famous for playing tough-guy roles in Westerns and had a notable career spanning several decades. Elam passed away on October 20, 2003, leaving behind a legacy in the entertainment industry.
| Name | William Scott “Jack” Elam |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | November 13, 1918 |
| Age | Deceased (passed away on October 20, 2003) |
| Hair Color | Miami, Arizona, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Eye color | Blue |
| Hair color | Grey |
| Height | 6 feet (183 cm) |
| Father | Millard Elam |
| Mother | Alice Amelia Kerby |
| 3 (two sons and a daughter | Santa Monica College, University of Southern California |
| Zodiac sign | Scorpio |
| Spouse | Margaret Jennison (m. 1947–1961, her death) |
| Children | 3 (two sons and a daughter) |
William Scott “Jack” Elam was an American actor best known for his distinctive looks and memorable performances in over 200 films and television series throughout his career.
Born on November 13, 1918, in Miami, Arizona, Elam grew up in the town of Coolidge, Arizona. Here is a brief biography of the legendary actor.
Birth Story
William Scott Elam was born to Millard Elam and Alice Amelia Kerby on November 13, 1918, in Miami, Arizona. His father was a mining engineer, and his mother was a teacher.
Elam was the eldest of three siblings and grew up in the nearby town of Coolidge, Arizona.
Education
Elam attended elementary and high school in Coolidge, Arizona, and later went to Santa Monica College in California.
After graduating, he transferred to the University of Southern California (USC) to study law. However, he eventually dropped out of college to pursue his passion for acting.
Struggling Period
After leaving college, Elam worked a variety of odd jobs, including working as a lifeguard and as a bartender. He later joined the United States Navy during World War II, serving as a radioman on a patrol craft in the South Pacific.
After leaving the Navy, he worked as a bookkeeper for the Southern Pacific Railroad before deciding to pursue acting full-time.
Career
Elam began his acting career in the late 1940s, appearing in small roles in films such as “She Shoulda Said No!” (1949) and “The Sundowners” (1950).
However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that he began to gain recognition for his work in Westerns. His first major role was in the film “Rawhide” (1951), in which he played a villainous henchman.
Elam quickly established himself as a versatile character actor and appeared in numerous Westerns throughout the 1950s and 1960s, often playing quirky and eccentric characters.
Some of his most memorable roles include his performance as the one-armed gunman in “High Noon” (1952) and his portrayal of the crazy old prospector in “Support Your Local Sheriff!” (1969).
In addition to Westerns, Elam appeared in a variety of other films and television series, including the crime drama “The Big Heat” (1953) and the adventure film “Once Upon a Time in the West” (1968). He also made guest appearances on television shows such as “Gunsmoke” and “Bonanza.”
Assets
Elam was a successful actor, and his work in films and television earned him a substantial net worth.
Married Life
Elam was married to Margaret Jennison from 1947 until her death in 1961. The couple had three children together, two sons and a daughter. Elam never remarried after his first wife’s death.
Awards
Elam’s contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized with several awards and honors throughout his career.
He received a Golden Boot Award in 1982 for his work in Westerns, and he was inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame in 1994.
Passion
Elam was a passionate and dedicated actor who loved his work. He once said, “I love acting. It’s such a challenge. You have to work at it, like a prizefighter.”
Causes of death
Jack died of congestive heart failure at their home in Ashland, Oregon
Final thoughts
William Scott “Jack” Elam was a talented and versatile actor who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
He will always be remembered for his quirky and memorable performances and his contributions to the Western genre. Elam passed away on October 20, 2003, but his legacy lives