December 3 Birthday Wishes

Micky Simpson [1913 -1985]

Howdy Manco!!

Mickey Simpson's film career dates all the way back to the late 30's. When he arrived in Hollywood, he became the chauffeur for Claudette Colbert. John Ford gave him an uncredited role in the John Wayne film, Stagecoach and Simpson and Ford began a friendship that eventually led to Simpson being cast in 9 Ford films. His film career was interrupted by WW II and it was again John Ford that helped him resurrect it. Besides the dozens of other films he appeared in during the 40's, he was cast in My Darling Clementine and I believe it was Tom Goldrup that related a story that Mickey told him about John Ford having him fall with his head in a horse trough, while sharpshooters,( using real bullets) shot holes in the trough beside his head!! Now, that's what I call earning your living the hard way!! Simpson also appeared in Fort Apache, The Wake Of The Red Witch, The Fighting Kentuckian, She Wore A Yellow Ribbon and was cast as one of the notorious Clegg brothers in the classic Wagon Master. While appearing in all the classic films by Ford, Simpson also found time to appear in The Red Badge Of Courage, Seven Angry Men, Gunfight At The O.K. Corral and even had a small part in The Ten Commandments!!!!! Simpson also appeared on just about every t.v. western that was ever broadcast on t.v., starting with The Lone Ranger, The Cisco Kid, Sky King, Yancy Derringer, Bonanza, Lawman, The Big Valley, Cheyenne and many many others. Because of his big hulking physique and his almost always unshaven face, he was a natural for the bad guy roles and Hollywood casting directors had him beat up, shot and hung by every western t.v. star there was from the 50-60's. If they were looking for a rustler, stagecoach robber, bank robber, gang member, gunslinger, bully or otherwise unsavorory character, they called on Mickey Simpson. In a career that spanned 30 years, Simpson stayed very busy in film and t.v., until his retirement in 1969. I believe it was also Tom that told us Mickey opened an antique shop in his retirement. Mickey Simpson passed away at the age of 71 in 1985.
Thanks for all the great memories, pard!!!!!!!!!

Ed