From SlashFilm · Joe Roberts · · 1m 10s
William Boyd's Hopalong Cassidy TV Show
William Boyd's 1949 Western TV series made him a household name before fading into obscurity.
In brief
William Boyd's 1949 Western TV series made him a household name before fading into obscurity. William Boyd starred in NBC's first Western TV show, 'The Hopalong Cassidy Show,' which ran from 1949 to 1952 and made him wealthy but later faded from public memory. Originally reported by SlashFilm.
William Boyd's Western Career
William Boyd played Hopalong Cassidy in 66 films from 1935 to 1948 before bringing the character to TV.
Hopalong Cassidy Character
Cassidy walked with a limp from an old gunshot wound and was created by Clarence E. Mulford in 1906.
Boyd's Unique Cassidy Version
Boyd's Cassidy never drank, smoked, or used profanity, preferring to arrest outlaws rather than shoot them.
TV Show Launch
NBC launched 'The Hopalong Cassidy Show' in 1949 as the first Western TV series, starring Boyd.
Show's Popularity
The show ran from 1949 to 1952 and became popular with younger viewers, leading to merchandise deals.
Boyd's Wealth
Boyd sold his ranch, mortgaged his car, and moved into a bungalow to afford $350,000 for TV rights.
Boyd's Obscurity
After the show ended, Boyd disappeared from public view, rarely speaking to the press until his death in 1972.
The essence
William Boyd starred in NBC's first Western TV show, 'The Hopalong Cassidy Show,' which ran from 1949 to 1952 and made him wealthy but later faded from public memory.
