Will Rogers, a renowned American humorist, rose to fame on the vaudeville stage and in silent and sound films. After graduating from military school, he embarked on an unconventional career path, working in the livestock business in Argentina. Specifically, he transported pack animals across the South Atlantic from Buenos Aires to South Africa for use in the Boer War (1899-1902). Following his stint in Johannesburg, he participated in Wild West shows, leveraging his expertise with horses and lassos. Upon returning to America, he transitioned to vaudeville, eventually becoming a star in the Ziegfeld Follies by 1917.
Over the years, Rogers refined his act, incorporating his signature style of topical, iconoclastic humor, which humorously criticized the powerful and championed the rights of the common man. His unique blend of wit and wisdom, often delivered while twirling his lasso and chewing on a blade of straw, captivated audiences. Although he appeared in numerous silent films, his true motion-picture triumph came with the advent of sound. Now, his folksy, rural twang and down-to-earth philosophy resonated with the masses, earning him widespread acclaim. In fact, his influence was so profound that he was even nominated for governor of Oklahoma, an honor he declined.
