Fred Carson(1923-2001)

Stuntman and actor Fred Carson was born on November 23, 1923 in Harlingen, Texas. Carson learned how to be handy with horses while growing up in Texas. Fred worked the rodeo circuit and was a trick rider prior to becoming involved in the Hollywood film industry as a stuntman and actor in the mid-1940's. An all-around stuntman, Carson was equally adept at performing fights, horse falls, saddle falls, sword fights, and high falls. Among the notable actors that Fred doubled for are Victor Mature, Rory Calhoun, Marlon Brando, Richard Boone, Rod Cameron, Anthony Quinn, Rock Hudson, Clint Walker, Charles Drake, Jeff Chandler, and Cesar Romero. Moreover, Carson also was an expert gun handler who taught such actors as Kirk Douglas and Ricardo Montalban how to fast draw as well as an accomplished jewelry maker and artist who did paintings and wood carvings. Carson died at age 77 of a heart attack on July 31, 2001 in North Hollywood, California.