Charles Starrett

Biography

Charles Starrett was an American actor who built a career in Westerns and became Columbia Pictures' leading cowboy star. Born in Athol, Massachusetts, he was hired as a football extra in The Quarterback (1926) while at Dartmouth College, which led him toward acting. He played minor film roles and stage parts, joined Stuart Walker's repertory company in 1928, and signed with Paramount Pictures, where his first movie, Fast and Loose (1930), gave him a romantic lead. He soon appeared in Our Betters (1933), Murder on the Campus (1933), and Mr. Skitch (1933). Columbia chose him in 1935 to replace Tim McCoy, and his first Western there was Gallant Defender (1935). After playing ranchers, rangers, and sheriffs, he became best known for the Durango Kid, whose revival in The Return of the Durango Kid led to a popular series. He made 131 Westerns for Columbia, a record for theatrical feature series, and retired when his last contract ended.

82years old at death

Born March 28, 1903Athol
Died March 22, 1986Borrego Springs
Star sign: AriesThe sign runs March 21 to April 19
Also credited as Charles Robert Starrett

Movie Career

Films: 3
Career span: 1 year1932 to 1933

Every film, newest first

1933Jungle BrideIMDb rating 5.1
1933Murder on the CampusIMDb rating 5.5
1932The Mask of Fu ManchuIMDb rating 6.2

Genres

Did you know?!

A first
Starrett holds the record for the longest run of theatrical features, having starred in 131 westerns, all of which Columbia Pictures produced.
First role
Starrett was hired as a football extra in The Quarterback (1926) while playing on the Dartmouth football team. He went on to take minor film roles and leading stage parts.
Big break
In 1935, Columbia Pictures wanted to replace Tim McCoy with a younger actor, and Starrett got the job after studio chief Harry Cohn asked if he could ride a horse.
A first
Offscreen, Charles Starrett was one of the organizers of the Screen Actors Guild, and his membership card in the union was number 10.
Beyond film
Starrett could carry a tune, but his singing in Start Cheering was dubbed by Robert Paige. Columbia then hired the Sons of the Pioneers, a singing group, to back him.