John Agar, American actor (d. 2002)

John Agar: An Overview of a Versatile Hollywood Career

John George Agar Jr. (January 31, 1921 – April 7, 2002) was an American actor who built a distinctive career across both film and television, navigating Hollywood's evolving landscape from its Golden Age into the late 20th century. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Agar was initially known more for his social standing than his acting aspirations, entering the film industry largely through his high-profile marriage.

Early Career and Collaborations with John Wayne

Agar first garnered significant recognition through his prominent roles alongside legendary actor John Wayne. These collaborations were pivotal in establishing Agar as a notable presence in major studio productions. He appeared with Wayne in several classic films, including:

• Sands of Iwo Jima (1949): A critically acclaimed World War II drama where Agar portrayed PFC Peter Conway, a young marine navigating the horrors of war.
• Fort Apache (1948): One of John Ford's iconic cavalry Westerns, where Agar played Lieutenant Michael O'Rourke, a West Point graduate involved in frontier conflicts.
• She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949): Another celebrated John Ford Western, featuring Agar as Lieutenant Cohill, further cementing his presence in high-profile genre films of the era.

These early roles showcased Agar's adaptability and allowed him to share the screen with some of Hollywood's biggest stars, establishing his initial foothold in the industry.

The Shirley Temple Marriage and Career Transition

Beyond his burgeoning acting career, John Agar's personal life attracted considerable public interest, particularly his marriage to renowned child star Shirley Temple. Their union, which commenced in 1945 when Temple was just 17 and Agar 24, was a highly publicized event, placing Agar firmly in the celebrity spotlight. However, the marriage was relatively short-lived, ending in a publicized divorce in 1950. The aftermath of this divorce coincided with a significant shift in Agar's career trajectory, as his opportunities in mainstream A-list productions began to wane.

The B-Movie Era: A Niche in Science Fiction and Horror

Adapting to the changing dynamics of the film industry, John Agar skillfully transitioned into a prolific career as a leading man in low-budget B-movies throughout the 1950s and 1960s. These films, often produced quickly and designed to fill double features or cater to drive-in theaters, offered Agar a consistent platform for his acting talents. He developed a strong cult following for his work in genre cinema, particularly science fiction and horror.

Among his most remembered B-movie roles are:

• Tarantula (1955): A quintessential giant-monster sci-fi film where Agar starred as Dr. Matt Hastings, investigating a terrifying oversized spider. This film is highly regarded among classic sci-fi enthusiasts.
• Revenge of the Creature (1955): The sequel to Universal's iconic Creature from the Black Lagoon, notable for featuring a very early, albeit uncredited, appearance by Clint Eastwood. Agar reprised his role as Professor Clete Ferguson from the first film.
• The Mole People (1956): A classic Universal International horror film where Agar leads an archaeological expedition that discovers an ancient, subterranean civilization.
• The Brain from Planet Arous (1957): A memorable low-budget sci-fi film featuring Agar as a scientist whose body is taken over by an evil alien entity.
• Flesh and the Spur (1956): A Western that showcased his continued versatility.
• Hand of Death (1962): A horror film where he plays a scientist whose experimental drug transforms him into a monster.

This period cemented Agar's legacy as a reliable and charismatic actor within these specialized genres, earning him a lasting place in the hearts of cult film fans.

Later Career and Television Work

Demonstrating professional resilience and enduring industry connections, John Agar continued to work steadily into his later years. His established relationship with John Wayne proved beneficial, with Wayne providing Agar several supporting roles in his larger-budget films during the late 1960s and early 1970s, including The Undefeated (1969) and Chisum (1970). In parallel, Agar also transitioned extensively into television, making numerous guest appearances on popular episodic series across various genres, from Westerns and crime dramas to science fiction shows. This extensive television work ensured his continued presence in the entertainment industry until his eventual retirement.

Frequently Asked Questions About John Agar

Who was John Agar primarily known for acting with?

John Agar is perhaps most widely recognized for his early career collaborations with legendary Western star John Wayne, appearing together in films like Sands of Iwo Jima, Fort Apache, and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.

What types of movies did John Agar frequently star in during the 1950s and 1960s?

During the 1950s and 1960s, John Agar became a prolific star of low-budget B-movies, particularly excelling in science fiction and horror genres. Films such as Tarantula, The Mole People, and The Brain from Planet Arous are prime examples of his work in this period.

Was John Agar married to a famous actress?

Yes, John Agar was famously the first husband of acclaimed child star and later diplomat, Shirley Temple. Their marriage began in 1945 and concluded with their divorce in 1950.

Did John Agar continue acting after his B-movie career?

Absolutely. John Agar continued to act extensively, including further supporting roles in films (often through John Wayne's productions) and, notably, a substantial career in television, where he made numerous guest appearances on various series throughout the late 20th century.