Joel McCrea, Francis Dee bio

WILD WEST SHOWMAN—Joel McCrea, who portrayed Buffalo Bill in the 1944 film of the same name, poses with his sons, Jody, left, and David, Wyatt’s father. According to IMBD.com, a website dedicated to films, Joel McCrea was one of the great stars of American westerns and a popular leading man in other movies as well.

Born and raised in Hollywood, McCrea became interested in the movies because of the film production going on all around him.

He graduated from Pomona College and performed at the Pasadena Community Playhouse.

McCrea worked as a movie extra after graduating in 1928, and did some stunt work. In a rare case of an extra being chosen from the crowd to play a major role, McCrea was given a part in “The Jazz Age,” according to the website.

McCrea first signed a contract with MGM, followed by a better contract at RKO. Will Rogers took a liking to the young man and he encouraged to McCrea’s career. The two men shared a love of ranching and roping.

McCrea’s wholesome good looks and quiet mannerism led him to roles in romantic dramas and comedies where he became increasingly popular as a leading man.

But McCrea longed to act in westerns and concentrated almost exclusively in that genre by the late Forties. Most of his westerns still hold up well today.

McCrea passed away in 1990.

Frances Dee was born near McCrea’s birthplace, but the pair didn’t meet until they were both in films.

Dee also started work in motion pictures as an extra. Her break came when she received a part in “Words and Music” with Lois Moran, according to www.IMBD.com.

After her breakthrough role in “Playboy of Paris” with Maurice Chevalier, she met McCrea on the set of the 1933 film “The Silver Cord” and the two were married the same year.

Dee stopped acting in the mid 1950s to raise her children. She and McCrea remained married for 57 years.