Hugh Milford Hooker was born on September 8, 1919, in Texas, USA, and throughout his illustrious career, he gained recognition as a skilled stuntman, leaving an indelible mark in the film industry.
As a stuntman, Hooker's work spanned over four decades, with notable appearances in B-westerns, as well as films such as Scarface (1983),National Lampoon's Vacation (1983),and Mannequin (1987). His extensive experience in the field of stunt work led to minor character actor roles in twenty westerns between 1944 and 1955.
In addition to his work as a stuntman, Hooker also ventured into television, making a notable appearance in the 1954 episodes of The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin, where he played three small roles. Interestingly, his two sons, Buddy Joe Hooker and Billy Hank Hooker, also followed in their father's footsteps, starting their careers as stuntmen at a young age - Buddy Joe began at the age of fourteen, while Billy Hank started at the age of nine.
As a theatrical agent, Hooker made national news in 1956 when he filed a $750,000 lawsuit against the producer of Rin Tin Tin, Herbert B. Leonard, Rin Tin Tin IV owner Lee Duncan, Screen Gems, the American Broadcasting Company, and Rin Tin Tin sponsor National Biscuit Company. Hooker alleged that Duncan had informed him that the Rin Tin Tin project had been abandoned, effectively freezing him out as a producer. The 164 episodes of Rin Tin Tin produced profits of $1,500,000.
In his capacity as a movie producer, Hooker's film, The Littlest Hobo (1958),featured London, a German Shepherd, and Fleecie, a lamb. Tragically, Hooker passed away on September 11, 1987, in Westlake Village, California, USA.
