William Anton Gittinger, later renowned as Steve Steele, was a pioneering American actor who etched his mark on the fledgling film industry of Hollywood during its formative years. His birthdate was March 28, 1888, in San Antonio, Texas, a city that would remain shrouded in mystery regarding his early life, with very little known about his pursuits prior to his arrival in Los Angeles around 1910.
As the fledgling film industry started to emerge and gain momentum, Steele's extensive background and expertise in working with horses unexpectedly became a highly sought-after quality, effortlessly securing him roles in a succession of rapid-fire Westerns.
Steele's professional journey was characterized by his propensity for adopting diverse monikers, yet his unwavering commitment to his artistic pursuit remained a constant throughout his career.
He persisted in working on Westerns throughout the 1950s, ultimately contributing to a total of ten films under the visionary direction of the illustrious John Ford, with the landmark "The Searchers" being one of the most notable examples of his collaborative efforts, released in 1956.
The untimely demise of Steele occurred at the age of 77, resulting in his sudden and unfortunate passing, leaving behind his devoted wife, Josephine, a talented actress in her own right, who had undoubtedly been a source of comfort and support throughout his life.
