Harry Dean Stanton is a prolific and legendary actor who has appeared in more than 160 films from the 50s to the present day.
The character actor with hound dog eyes and the rare ability to alternate between menace and earnest at a moments notice was honored at the Santa Clarita Walk of Western Stars Gala held at the Valencia Hyatt last month.
Stanton was born in Kentucky and served in World War II before appearing in a University of Kentucky production of Pygmalion. After honing his craft at the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse, his first on screen role was in
Tomahawk Trail in 1957. Following this, Stanton had numerous smaller roles in television and film in the late 50s and early 60s, including Rawhide and Bonanza and films such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in 1960.
Classic films he appeared in include Kelly’s Heroes, Cool Hand Luke, Dillinger and The Godfather: Part II. He currently appears in the HBO series, Big Love about present day Mormon polygamy.
Also honored at the gala was long-time stuntman Phil Rawlins who doubled for Clint Eastwood in Rawhide. Rawlins also rode shotgun on the stagecoach in Gunsmoke. Rounding out the honorees were the Sons of the San Joaquin, a long-time Santa Clarita Cowboy festival favorite with their upbeat, airtight, three-part family harmonies. A portion of the proceeds from the gala will benefit the Carousel Ranch therapeutic riding program.