Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On August 22, 1905, actor Wade Crosby was born in Cedar Rapids. Best known for his roles in Tales of Robin Hood and Westworld, the Iowa-born actor built a successful career during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
The son of a prominent Linn County attorney named Jim Crosby, Wade grew up in Cedar Rapids. After his father's death, Crosby headed west to Los Angeles, where he cut his teeth working on sets as a painter and designer while pursuing acting roles. During his early career, he appeared in a number of voice-acting roles on radio programs, including Frontier Town.
Crosby made his Hollywood debut in the Paramount production of Mary Antoinette in late June 1938. A string of successful roles, predominantly in Golden Age of Hollywood Westerns, solidified his position as an actor. Films such as "Arizona" (1940), "Wagon Train" (1940), and the drama "A Man Betrayed" (1941) with Robert Armstrong made Crosby familiar to movie-goers nationwide.
Crosby also appeared in "Sign of the Wolf" (1941). He continued to act in productions like "The Woman of the Town" (1943), "The Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap" (1947), and the comedy "The Paleface" (1948) with Bob Hope. As his career progressed, he also appeared in "Under California Stars" (1948) with Roy Rogers. Nearing the end of his career, he continued to act in the period drama "The Black Book" (1949) with Robert Cummings, "Invasion U.S.A." (1953), and the Cliff Robertson drama "J.W. Coop" (1972). Crosby more recently acted in "Westworld" (1973). Crosby passed away in October 1975 at the age of 70. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar
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