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Will Rogers: World
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In the early 1930s, Will Rogers was the most popular and highest paid actor in Hollywood. From his start in vaudeville theater with a trick roping act, he rose to world-wide fame as a columnist, philosopher, radio personality, and movie star. During the 1920s, he bought land in Santa Monica, where he developed a ranch. Eventually, the Rogers? owned more than 300 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, in what is now known as Pacific Palisades. The ranch became the place where Will Rogers could relax with his family and friends, pursuing his favorite pastimes of riding and roping.
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In 1908, Rogers married Betty Blake, and the couple had four children: Will Rogers, Jr. (Bill), Mary Amelia (Mary), James Blake (Jim), and Fred Stone. Bill became a World War II hero, played his father in two films, and became a member of Congress. Mary became a Broadway actress, and Jim was a newspaperman and rancher; Fred died of diphtheria at age two.[3] The family lived in New York, but they managed to make it home to Oklahoma during the summers. In 1911, Rogers bought a 20-acre (8.1 hectare) ranch near Claremore, Oklahoma, which he intended to use as his retirement home, for US$500 per acre.[3]
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Will Rogers, 1879-1935, triumphed as a thinker in journalism, theatre, movies, and even as a skilled lariat artist in wild west shows. His sage and philosophy lives today. Born on a working ranch, he labored as a cowboy whose wanderlust led him thrice around the world. He learned. He taught. He was the friend of kings and presidents but kept the common touch.
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When President Roosevelt cancelled airmail contracts in 1934, Will said: "It's like finding a crooked railroad president and stopping all the trains." He prophesized, correctly, as it turned out: "We're going to lose some fine boys if the Army flies the mail." In mid-1934 Will made another trip around the world, this time with his wife Betty and his boys, Will and Jim. From Hawaii he wrote: "If war was declared, we would lose the Philippines before lunch, but if we lose these islands it will be our own fault." After visiting Japan, Korea, and Manchuria, the Rogers travelled by train across Siberia to Moscow. They flew over most of Western Europe.
One of the most charming and touching expressions of a nation's affection was voiced by Rogers at the great birthday party tendered the late Marie Dressler. It was being internationally broadcast. Messages of congratulation to the star had poured in from all over the world. Famous speakers vied with each other for superlatives to describe the love in which she was iniversally held.
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