Born on a ranch in Oklahoma, he transitioned from rodeo cowboy to Hollywood stuntman, eventually becoming a respected character actor. Noted for his roles in Westerns, he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "The Last Picture Show" (1971). Known for his authenticity and rugged charm, he appeared in numerous films alongside legendary directors like John Ford. Despite his success, he remained deeply connected to his cowboy roots throughout his life.