Who is Ward Bond?

Ward Bond was an American film character actor known for his commanding presence and deep, resonant voice. He appeared in over 200 films and is best remembered for his roles in classic Westerns such as “The Searchers” and “Wagon Train.” His career spanned several decades, and he worked with some of the amplest names in Hollywood, including John Wayne, John Ford, and Frank Capra.

He was a versatile actor who could play heroes and villains equally. Still, he will always be remembered as a beloved character actor who brought a sense of authenticity and gravitas to every role he played.

Birthday and Zodiac

Education

Physical Stats

Net Worth

Family and Relationship                  

Social Media

Biography Timeline

He was an American film character actor known for his work in Hollywood westerns and his roles in classic films like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “The Maltese Falcon.” Born in Nebraska in 1903, began his career in the 1920s and appeared in over 200 films and television shows. Here is a timeline of his life and career.

• April 9, 1903: Ward Bond is born in Benkelman, Nebraska.
• 1923: Graduates from the University of Southern California and begins acting in theatre productions and silent films.
• 1929: Appears in his first “talkie” film, “Salute,” and becomes a prolific character actor in Hollywood.
• 1939: Appears in John Ford’s Western classic “Stagecoach,” which stars John Wayne and becomes a breakthrough role for both actors.
• 1946: Appears in Frank Capra’s holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” playing the role of Bert, the cop.
• 1957: Begins his long-running role as Major Seth Adams in the famous Western TV series “Wagon Train.”
• 1960: Wins an Emmy Award for his performance in “Wagon Train.”
• November 5, 1960: He dies of a heart attack in Dallas, Texas, while filming an episode of “Wagon Train.”
• 1961: He is posthumously inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

His career spanned over three decades, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood. He was known for his intense, commanding presence on screen and his ability to portray various characters. From his breakthrough role in “Stagecoach” to his iconic turn in “It’s a Wonderful Life” and his unique position on “Wagon Train,” His performances have continued to entertain and inspire audiences for generations. Today, he is remembered as one of the greatest character actors in film history.

Early Life, Family and Education

He was born on April 9, 1903, in Benkelman, Nebraska. He was the son of John W. Bond, a lumberyard worker, and his wife, Mabel. He has a younger sister, Beverly, and the family frequently moved during his childhood due to his father’s work.

Attended the University of Southern California, where he played football and was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He graduated in 1928 with a degree in engineering, but he developed a love for acting during college and decided to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

Professional Career:

His professional life began in the late 1920s after he graduated from the University of Southern California. He started as a stage actor and quickly transitioned to film, appearing in minor movies such as “Salute” and “Arrowsmith.” In 1935, he had a breakthrough role in the film, “The Lost Squadron,” which led to more prominent roles in films such as “Gone with the Wind” and “The Maltese Falcon.”

Well-known for his deep and resonating voice, He soon became one of Hollywood’s most sought-after character actors. He worked with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including John Wayne, John Ford, and Frank Capra. He appeared in over 200 films, including classic Westerns such as “The Searchers” and “Wagon Train.”

In addition to his work in film, He also had a successful career on television. He appeared in numerous popular shows, including “Wagon Train,” “The Lone Ranger,” and “Bonanza.” He was a beloved entertainment industry figure known for his professionalism and willingness to help younger actors.

Death

His career spanned several decades, and he remained active in the entertainment industry until he died in 1960. He was a versatile actor who played heroes and villains, and his contributions to the film and television industry are still celebrated today.

Personal Life

He had a happy personal life, with a loving relationship with his wife Doris and their three children. He and Doris were married for over 30 years until he died in 1960. Their children were Richard, Barbara and Sharon. He was known for his strong sense of loyalty and dedication to those he loved, and he was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

He was an avid outdoorsman in his free time and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was also a skilled horseman and often appeared on screen riding horses. Overall, His personal life was characterized by his love of family, loyalty to those he cared about, and commitment to his nation. He was a respected and admired figure in his personal and professional life.

Trivia

• He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity at the University of Southern California.
• His deep, resonant voice earned him the nickname “The Voice of America” during World War II.
• He was a close friend of John Wayne, and the two appeared together in many films, including “The Searchers” and “Rio Bravo.”
• He was a skilled horseman and often performed his stunts on horseback in films.
• He was expected to have a net worth of $5 million at his death.

Frequently Asked Questions