George Montgomery was a popular American actor who starred in many Western films and television shows. He was also a painter, director, producer, writer, sculptor, and furniture craftsman. He had a long and successful career that spanned six decades, from the 1930s to the 1980s. He was married to singer Dinah Shore for 19 years and had two children with her. He died of a heart attack on December 12, 2000, at his home in Rancho Mirage, California. He was 84 years old.
Early Life and Career
George Montgomery was born George Montgomery Letz on August 27, 1916, in Brady, Montana. He was the youngest of 15 children of Ukrainian immigrant parents. He grew up on a large ranch, where he learned to ride horses and work cattle. He also boxed as a heavyweight for a short time before enrolling in the University of Montana, where he studied interior design. However, he dropped out after one year to pursue a career in Hollywood.
He started as a stuntman and a bit player in low-budget Westerns, using his real name. He appeared in films with Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and John Wayne. In 1938, he changed his name to George Montgomery and got his first major role in the serial The Lone Ranger. He was also featured in Life magazine as one of the “Hollywood’s Movie-struck Kids”.
He went on to star in musicals and romantic comedies with actors like Alice Faye, Betty Grable, and Ginger Rogers. He also played detective Philip Marlowe in The Brasher Doubloon (1947), based on a novel by Raymond Chandler.
World War II Service and Postwar Career
In 1943, Montgomery joined the U.S. Army Air Forces and served as a flight instructor and a bomber pilot. He flew 35 combat missions over Europe and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal.
After the war, he returned to movies and starred in mostly Westerns and war films. He also produced and directed some of his own films, such as The Steel Claw (1961) and Samar (1962). He also starred in the television series Cimarron City (1958-1959) and The Iron Horse (1966-1968).
He also developed his skills as a painter and a sculptor. He exhibited his artworks in galleries and museums around the world. He also designed and built furniture for his own home and for his friends.
Personal Life and Death
Montgomery married singer Dinah Shore in 1943. They had two children: Melissa Ann (born 1947) and John David (born 1954). They divorced in 1962, but remained friends until Shore’s death in 1994.
Montgomery was engaged to actress Hedy Lamarr in 1942, but they never married. He also dated several other actresses, such as Ann Rutherford, Carole Landis, Ginger Rogers, Gloria DeHaven, Rhonda Fleming, and Zsa Zsa Gabor.
In 1963, Montgomery was shot by a housemaid who objected to his socializing with glamour girls. He survived the attack but suffered nerve damage in his right hand.
Montgomery died of a heart attack on December 12, 2000, at his home in Rancho Mirage, California. He was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Cathedral City, California.
George Montgomery was one of the most versatile and talented actors of his generation. He left behind a legacy of films, television shows, artworks, and furniture that showcase his creativity and craftsmanship. He was also a decorated war hero who served his country with honor and bravery. He will always be remembered as a Western star who had a heart of gold.
