ACTOR · BORN 1914 · DIED 1994
Woody Strode
- Born
- 25 July 1914, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Died
- 31 December 1994
- Known for
- Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), Spartacus (1960), The Quick and the Dead (1995), The Ten Commandments (1956)
19 archived facts 2 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
9 Facts From Woody Strode's Career
- #002
In 1946 Woody Strode went down in history as one of the first four Black players to integrate professional football. The group also included Bill Willis and Marion Motley of the Cleveland Browns and Kenny Washington of the Los Angeles Rams. The step was a major turning point in breaking racial segregation in American sports history.
- #003
The film Woody Strode valued most in his career was Sergeant Rutledge, made in 1960. Playing a Buffalo soldier wrongly accused, Strode won great praise from both critics and audiences for his performance. The role held a special place for him as a showcase of his acting ability and dramatic depth.
- #004
Playing college football for the UCLA Bruins in 1939, Strode was part of one of the most integrated teams of the era. The team also included figures such as future NFL star Kenny Washington and Jackie Robinson, who would enter the Baseball Hall of Fame. The experience allowed Strode to witness an important period in both sporting and social terms.
- #006
Woody Strode appeared in four of the most important productions of American cinema, films selected for the Library of Congress's National Film Registry. These include The Ten Commandments (1956), Spartacus (1960), The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) and Once Upon a Time in the West (1968). These works are of great cultural, historical and aesthetic importance.
- #010
As the 'Golden Age' of professional wrestling on television began in the 1940s, Woody Strode entered the arena and wrestled as a 'Baby Face' (hero). He became both a successful wrestler and one loved by audiences. However, as his popularity in cinema grew, he chose to leave wrestling; the decision was an important turning point in his career.
- #011
Before moving to professional football in 1946, Woody Strode played in semi-professional leagues. This period was important for developing his athletic abilities and preparing for his professional career. His semi-professional experience laid the foundation for his later successes.
- #012
In 1992 Woody Strode was inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame, honoring his success in college sports. The award officially recognized his contributions in both football and athletics. Strode's legacy at UCLA continues to hold an important place in sports history.
- #013
Woody Strode was inducted into the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum and Hall of Fame in the 2012-13 period. The honor celebrates his role in Western films and his contributions to cultural heritage. With this award Strode cemented his place in the multicultural history of the American West.
- #016
In the 1948-49 seasons Woody Strode wore the Calgary Stampeders jersey in the Canadian Football League. After this experience he returned to the United States and stepped into a film career. His football years in Canada formed the final period of his athletic career and served as a bridge to his move into acting.
Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
Sources for the entries on this page
- IMDb IMDb
Information from external sources is independently selected, consolidated and edited by Arka Evren. Sources are listed for verification and further reading. Encyclopedia text is used under its licence (CC BY-SA). How we work