THE PERFORMER
At 21, a young Will Rogers left Indian Territory for Argentina in hopes of finding work as a cowboy in this new frontier. In 1902, after failing to find his dream, he signed on to tend cattle on a boat heading for South Africa. It was here that he discovered Texas Jack's Wild West Show and became an instant hit as the "Cherokee Kid" with his fancy rope tricks.
Returning home in 1904, he performed at the St. Louis World's Fair and later went with the show to New York City, making his debut at Madison Square Garden in 1905.
During the next 10 years he would climb to top billing in vaudeville, starring in the Ziegfeld Follies...the most famous stage show in the country, possibly in the world. Rogers gentle wit, rather than his rope tricks, began to draw attention to this shy cowboy.
In 1918, Will embarked on a new career, that of a film actor in silent cinema. The classic, "Ropin' Fool", was made during this period. His first "talkie"..."They Had To See Paris"-1929 was the beginning of his steady climb in becoming one of the most successful movie stars of his day.
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