Ward Bond was an American film actor known for his commanding presence and deep, resonant voice. He has appeared in over 200 films and is best remembered for his roles in classic westerns such as ‘The Searchers’ and ‘Wagon Train’. Bond’s career spanned decades and he worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including John Wayne, John Ford and Frank Capra.
Bond was a versatile actor who could play both heroes and villains. Still, he will always be remembered as a beloved character actor who brought a sense of authenticity and gravitas to every role he played.
| About | Info |
| First and last name | Ward Bond |
| Profession | American movie actor |
| Popular for | Famous in the Hollywood movie industry |
Birthday and zodiac
| Age (from 2022) | 57 years old |
| Date of birth | April 9, 1903 |
| Died | November 5th, 1960 (Dallas, Texas, United States) |
| Constellation | Ram |
| Birthplace | Benkelman, Nebraska, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
Education
| School | Denver East High School and Colorado School of Mines |
| University | university of southern california |
Physical statistics
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Eye color | N/A |
| Weight | 75 kg (195 lbs.) |
Net value
| Estimated net worth | $5 million |
Family and relationship
| Father | John W. Bond |
| Mother | Mabel L Bond |
| Husband | Mary Louise May (m. 1954-1960), Doris Sellers Childs (m. 1936-1944) |
| Brothers or sisters | Bernice Bond |
| Children | N/A |
Social media
Contents
Timeline Biography Ward Bond
Ward Bond was an American film actor known for his work in Hollywood westerns and his roles in such classic films as ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and ‘The Maltese Falcon’. Born in Nebraska in 1903, Bond started his career in the 1920 and appeared in over 200 movies and TV shows. Here is a timeline of his life and career.
- April 9, 1903: Ward Bond was born in Benkelman, Nebraska.
- 1923: Bond graduates from the University of Southern California and begins acting in stage productions and silent films.
- 1929: Bond appears in his first “talkie” movie, “Salute,” and becomes a prolific actor in Hollywood.
- 1939: Bond appears in John Ford’s western classic ‘Stagecoach’, which stars John Wayne and becomes a breakout role for both actors.
- 1946: Bond appears in Frank Capra’s Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” playing the role of Bert, the cop.
- 1957: Bond begins his long-running role as Major Seth Adams in the famous western TV series ‘Wagon Train’.
- 1960: Bond wins an Emmy Award for his performance in ‘Wagon Train’.
- November 5, 1960: Bond dies of a heart attack in Dallas, Texas, while filming an episode of “Wagon Train.”
- 1961: Bond is posthumously inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
Ward Bond’s career spanned more than three decades and left an indelible mark on Hollywood. He was known for his intense, commanding screen presence and his ability to portray a variety of characters. From his groundbreaking role in ‘Stagecoach’ to his iconic role in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and his unique role in ‘Wagon Train’, Bond’s performances continue to entertain and inspire audiences for generations. Today he is remembered as one of the greatest character actors in movie history.
Early life, family and education: Ward Bond
Ward Bond was born on April 9, 1903 in Benkelman, Nebraska. He was the son of John W. Bond, a lumberjack, and his wife, Mabel. Bond has a younger sister, Beverly, and the family moved frequently during his childhood due to his father’s work.
Bond attended the University of Southern California where he played football and was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He graduated in 1928 with an engineering degree, but he developed a love for acting during college and decided to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
Professional career: Ward Bond
Ward Bond’s professional life began in the late 1920s after graduating from the University of Southern California. He started out as a stage actor and soon moved on to film, appearing in smaller films such as ‘Salute’ and ‘Arrowsmith’.
In 1935, he had a breakthrough role in the movie ‘The Lost Squadron’ which led to more prominent roles in movies like ‘Gone with the Wind’ and ‘The Maltese Falcon’.
Known for his deep and resonant voice, Bond quickly became one of Hollywood’s most sought-after character actors.
He has worked with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including John Wayne, John Ford and Frank Capra. Starred in over 200 movies during his career, including many classic westerns such as ‘The Searchers’ and ‘Wagon Train’.
In addition to his work in film, Bond also had a successful career in television. He has appeared in numerous popular shows, including ‘Wagon Train’, ‘The Lone Ranger’ and ‘Bonanza’.
Bond was a beloved entertainment industry figure known for his professionalism and willingness to help younger actors.
Death of Ward Bond
Ward’s career spanned decades and he remained active in the entertainment industry until his death in 1960. He was a versatile actor who played heroes and villains, and his contributions to the film and television industry are still celebrated today.
Personal life of Ward Bond
Ward Bond had a happy personal life, with a loving relationship with his wife Doris and their three children. He and Doris were married for over 30 years until his death in 1960. Their children were Richard, Barbara and Sharon.
Bond was known for his strong sense of loyalty and devotion to those he loved, and he was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. In his spare time, Bond was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was also an accomplished rider and often appeared on screen riding horses.
Overall, Ward Bond’s personal life was marked by his love of family, loyalty to those he cared about, and devotion to his nation. He was a respected and admired figure in his personal and professional life.
tidbits
- Ward Bond was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity at the University of Southern California.
- Bond’s deep, resonant voice earned him the nickname “The Voice of America” during World War II.
- He was a close friend of John Wayne and the two appeared in many films together, including ‘The Searchers’ and ‘Rio Bravo’.
- Bond was an accomplished rider and often performed his stunts on horseback in films.
- Ward was expected to have a net worth of $5 million at his death.
