Forrest Tucker
A character actor with a booming voice and roguish charm who became a beloved television star in his sixties.
1919–1986 (age 67)·American actor·Birthday: February 12·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Forrest Tucker lived a life as big as his frame and voice. A native of Plainfield, Indiana, he left home as a teenager, working a string of odd jobs before his physical presence and natural charisma landed him in Hollywood. Throughout the 1940s and 50s, he was a staple in Westerns and adventure films, often playing the hearty sidekick or jovial villain opposite stars like John Wayne. But it was on television where he found his most enduring roles. As the mischievous, moonshine-running Confederate veteran Corporal Randolph Agarn on 'F Troop,' Tucker perfected a blend of scheming and slapstick. Later, he brought a grandfatherly warmth to 'The Doris Day Show' and headlined the crime drama 'The Ghost Busters.' His career, spanning over 100 films and countless TV episodes, is a testament to the durable appeal of a genuine, larger-than-life personality.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Forrest was born in 1919, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Forrest Was Born
The biggest hits of 1919
Forrest's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1919Born
Treaty of Versailles signed; Prohibition ratified
President: Woodrow Wilson
1924Started school
First Winter Olympics held in Chamonix, France
President: Calvin Coolidge"It Had to Be You" — Isham Jones
1932Became a teenager
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1935Could drive
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1937Could vote
Hindenburg disaster; Golden Gate Bridge opens
Gas: $0.20/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"A-Tisket, A-Tasket" — Ella FitzgeraldBest Picture: The Life of Emile Zola
1940Turned 21
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1949Turned 30
NATO founded; Mao proclaims the People's Republic of China
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Riders in the Sky" — Vaughn MonroeBest Picture: All the King's Men
1959Turned 40
Fidel Castro takes power in Cuba
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $12,400Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"The Battle of New Orleans" — Johnny HortonBest Picture: Ben-Hur
1969Turned 50
Apollo 11: humans walk on the Moon; Woodstock festival
Gas: $0.35/galHome: $15,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Sugar, Sugar" — The ArchiesBest Picture: Midnight Cowboy
1979Turned 60
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1986Died at 67
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
Key Achievements
- Starred as Corporal Randolph Agarn in the hit sitcom 'F Troop' (1965–1967).
- Played the lead role of Kong in the television series 'The Ghost Busters' (1975).
- Had a long-running role as Buck Webb on 'The Doris Day Show' (1968–1971).
- Appeared in over 100 films, including notable Westerns like 'The Night Rider' and 'Auntie Mame.'
- Performed on Broadway in musicals such as 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' and 'Mame.'
Did You Know?
He lied about his age to join the U.S. Cavalry at 17 but was discharged when the truth was discovered.
Tucker was a talented singer and recorded several albums of country and popular music.
He was a skilled pilot and owned his own plane.
He was considered for the role of James Bond in 'Dr. No' before Sean Connery was cast.
In his youth, he worked as a croupier in a casino and as a salesman for cemetery plots.
“I've played more cavalrymen than Custer, and I've outlived every horse.”
