George Montgomery

Biography

George Montgomery emerged as a boxing champion at the University of Montana, where he pursued a degree in architecture and interior design. After a year, he opted to focus more intently on boxing, relocating to California to train under former heavyweight world champion James J. Jeffries. While in Hollywood, Montgomery's talent as an accomplished horseman caught the attention of film studios, leading him to work as a stuntman in 1935. After four years in this role, he received a contract with 20th Century Fox in 1939, though he primarily found himself in leading roles for B-western films. It wasn't until his co-starring performance alongside Ginger Rogers in Roxie Hart (1942) that he had a chance to step into a more prominent film.

Following his appearance in Orchestra Wives (1942), where he played the romantic lead opposite Ann Rutherford, Montgomery returned to the Western genre, becoming synonymous with cowboy roles. He starred in many films such as Belle Starr's Daughter (1948), Dakota Lil (1950), and Jack McCall Desperado (1953), many produced at Columbia and United Artists. He also ventured into adventure films, notably portraying Harry Quartermain in Watusi (1959).

In his personal life, Montgomery was equally well-known for his relationships with high-profile actresses, including a brief engagement to Hedy Lamarr and his marriage to singer Dinah Shore in 1943. After retiring from acting, he embraced his passion for the arts, dedicating time to painting, furniture-making, and sculpting bronze busts, including one of his friend Ronald Reagan.