logo

How the famous villain Jack Elam lost sight in his left eye

Cheryl Kahla
Jul 25, 2018
07:01 A.M.

Jack Elam is remembered for portraying villains in Western films. He starred in classics such as Once Upon In The West, Kismet, and The Man from Laramie.

Advertisement

Elam began his career in the late forties when he landed his debut role in She Shoulda Said No. He also appeared in several western series the following decade.

Fans might remember him as Buckshot from Bonanza, Gus Smith from The Rifleman, or as Uncle Alvin Bully Stevenson in Easy Street, the NY Times reported.

He also had returning roles in The Texas Wheelers, Wonderful World of Color, Gunsmoke, The Dakotas, Temple Houston, and Lawman. Read more on Twitter, @amomama_usa.

Elam's last film roles were as Curtis in Lonesome Dove: The Series, and as Buckshot in the made-for-TV Bonanza film, Under Attack in 1995.

He was inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame in the early nineties and joked that fame came with a price.

Thanks to his talent for portraying unscrupulous villains, women would often walk up to him in the street and 'whack him' for something one of his characters did on screen.

Advertisement

Elam was born in Arizona and lost his mother when he was just two years old. According to her death certificate, the cause of death was paralysis.

The acclaimed actor lost sight in his left eye at the age of 12 after he was accidentally stabbed with a pencil.

Before pursuing his career in acting, he worked as an accountant, like his father, in Los Angeles and eventually took an accounting job in Hollywood.

Advertisement

Elam met Jean Hodgert in the late thirties and was married to her for 24 years, from 1937 until her death in the early sixties.

He exchanged vows with Margaret Jennison in 1961, and the couple remained together until Elam passed away in 2003 of congestive heart failure.

The famed Western villain left behind Margaret, as well as his children: Jacqueline, Jeri, and Scott.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Michael Landon’s Daughter Jennifer Looks ‘Pretty and Classy’ in Plunging Outfit in Closeup Photo

January 22, 2024

This Girl Was Abandoned by Famous Dad & Couldn't Talk about Him — As Grown-Up, She Broke Silence & Follows His Acting Footsteps

December 01, 2023

Elvis Presley Vowed to Buy Mom a Home When They Shared 1 Bed in Shack — She Wished To Be Poor Again after Moving

January 15, 2024

Cass Elliot's Daughter Owen Vanessa Elliot-Kugell Met Her Father after Her Mother Died

December 05, 2023

Fans Amazed by Alison Arngrim's 'Terrific' Look At 62 with Pixie Cut as She Poses on Magazine Cover

January 26, 2024

Teacher Learns Her Ex's Daughter Is Forced to Do Homework on the Street Even in the Rain – Story of the Day

March 17, 2024

Johnny Cash’s Children: A Closer Look at His 5 Kids from 2 Marriages

January 16, 2024

‘Home Alone’ Cast Then & Now: What Became of the Actors from the Iconic 1990 Christmas Movie

December 07, 2023

How This Boy Skyrocketed from Living in 13 Different Foster Homes in 7 Years to First Oscar Nomination

January 22, 2024

Meet Chris Pratt’s 12-Year-Old Son Whose Health Issues Restored Chris’ Faith in God

January 15, 2024

Family Confounded by Old Neighbor's Frequent Quarrels Until Husband Accidentally Enters Her House – Story of the Day

December 27, 2023

Mom Welcomes Santa-In-Disguise on Christmas Eve, Only to Learn He's Wanted by Police on TV – Story of the Day

January 09, 2024

Neal McDonough Was Fired and Then Lost House Because He Refused to Appear Unfaithful to Wife on Screen

December 27, 2023

Anthony Hopkins, 85, & His Silver-Haired Wife Defy Their Ages in Classy Outfits in Recent Outing

November 04, 2023