Al Rice

Actor

Active: 1938

About Al Rice

Al Rice was an American actor who appeared briefly during the Golden Age of Hollywood, known for a single credited role in the 1938 Western film 'Under Western Stars.' This film was notable as Roy Rogers' first starring role, produced by Republic Pictures. Rice was likely a bit player or supporting actor who appeared in this production during the height of the Western film popularity in the late 1930s. His career appears to have been extremely brief, with no other documented film credits beyond this single appearance. Like many actors of his era who worked in smaller roles, Rice's contribution to cinema was modest but part of the larger tapestry of Hollywood's studio system that employed hundreds of actors for various roles. The limited documentation of his career suggests he may have been a local hire or someone who pursued acting only briefly before moving on to other endeavors.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in 'Under Western Stars' (1938), Roy Rogers' first starring film

Best Known For

Must-See Films

  • Under Western Stars (1938)

Working Relationships

Studios

  • Republic Pictures

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

As a minor actor with only one documented film credit, Al Rice's cultural impact was minimal but representative of the hundreds of working actors who formed the backbone of Hollywood's studio system during its golden age. His appearance in 'Under Western Stars' places him within the important context of early Roy Rogers films that helped establish the singing cowboy genre and define Western entertainment for generations of Americans. While his individual contribution was small, actors like Rice were essential to creating the authentic atmosphere and populated worlds that made classic films believable and engaging.

Lasting Legacy

Al Rice's legacy is primarily preserved through his credit in 'Under Western Stars,' a historically significant film as Roy Rogers' starring debut. While not a major figure in cinema history, his inclusion in film databases and archives serves as a testament to the countless supporting players who contributed to Hollywood's output during the studio era. His brief career exemplifies the transient nature of many acting careers during this period, where thousands of actors appeared in films without achieving lasting fame or recognition.

Who They Inspired

Given his brief career and single film credit, Al Rice did not have a documented influence on other actors or directors in any significant way. His career was too limited to establish him as a mentor or influential figure within the industry.

Off Screen

Very little is documented about Al Rice's personal life, which is common for actors who had brief careers in minor roles during Hollywood's Golden Age. His limited filmography suggests he may not have pursued acting as a long-term career.

Did You Know?

  • Al Rice's only known film credit is 'Under Western Stars' (1938)
  • The film he appeared in was Roy Rogers' first starring role
  • Republic Pictures, the studio that produced his only film, was known for B-movies and serials
  • His career spanned only one year according to available records
  • Like many bit players of the era, he may have been a local hire in the Los Angeles area

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Al Rice?

Al Rice was an American actor who had a brief career in Hollywood during the late 1930s, known for appearing in a single film, 'Under Western Stars' (1938). He was likely a bit player or supporting actor who worked within the studio system during Hollywood's Golden Age.

What films is Al Rice best known for?

Al Rice is known for only one film appearance in 'Under Western Stars' (1938), which was significant as Roy Rogers' first starring role in a Western film produced by Republic Pictures.

When was Al Rice born and when did he die?

Specific birth and death dates for Al Rice are not documented in available film archives or biographical sources, which is common for actors who had very brief careers in minor roles during Hollywood's studio era.

What awards did Al Rice win?

Al Rice did not receive any documented awards or nominations for his work in film, which is typical for actors who appeared in minor or supporting roles during this period of Hollywood history.

What was Al Rice's acting style?

There is no documented information about Al Rice's specific acting style or techniques, as his career consisted of only one film credit and he was likely a bit player rather than a featured actor with a distinctive approach to performance.

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Films

1 film