Rags Ragland, a versatile performer of great renown, embarked on a storied career that traversed multiple disciplines, commencing as a pugilist before venturing into the realm of entertainment as a burlesque comedian, showcasing his remarkable range of talents. Subsequently, he made the transition to the bright lights of Broadway, where he demonstrated his artistic prowess in a diverse array of productions. Notably, Ragland reprised his role as the boisterous sailor in the 1942 film adaptation of Panama Hattie, starring the talented Ann Sothern, who took on the iconic role originally played by the legendary Ethel Merman on the Great White Way, cementing Ragland's place as a talented performer of his era.
As a beloved comedic figure, known for his remarkable aptitude for linguistically mangling the English language, Ragland's cinematic endeavors were largely characterized by his enduring affiliation with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, a prestigious Hollywood studio, where he made a significant impact by appearing in approximately two dozen lighthearted motion pictures alongside some of the most renowned and celebrated MGM stars, including the inimitable Red Skelton, the incomparable Lucille Ball, the incomparable Judy Garland, and the remarkable Gene Kelly.
Rags Ragland, a luminary of the entertainment world, entered the world on August 23, 1905, in the vibrant city of Louisville, Kentucky. His life was a testament to his unwavering passion and dedication to his craft, as he went on to carve out a remarkable career in the entertainment industry.
Despite his many accomplishments, Ragland's life was tragically cut short when he succumbed to uremic poisoning on August 20, 1946, in the City of Angels, Los Angeles, California.
