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

10 Interesting Facts About Woody Strode

1. #001

   On the highly macho set of the 1966 film The Professionals, Burt Lancaster, known for his extraordinary physical strength, frequently challenged Woody Strode to feats of strength. Lancaster lost to him repeatedly, which shook him deeply and hurt his morale. The episode showed that Strode was not only an actor but also a genuine athlete.

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2. #005

   Woody Strode modeled for one of two paintings Adolf Hitler commissioned for the 1936 Berlin Olympics. These paintings were among the propaganda art works of the period. Strode's experience shows that even early in his life he was involved in striking and unusual events.

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3. #007

   From the early 1960s until John Ford's death, Woody Strode formed a close friendship with the director. During his struggle with cancer, Ford preferred Strode's company to that of other actors. Ford often answered criticism that his films were racist by saying, 'But my best friend Woody Strode is Black'; this defense sparked controversy.

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4. #008

   The name of the beloved character Woody in the Toy Story films comes from Woody Strode, who appeared in many classic Westerns. The naming is regarded as a sign of Strode's influence and legacy in the world of cinema. In this way Strode continues to live on in the world of animation as well.

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5. #009

   According to Disneyland Vice President Tony Baxter, in 1954 Jungle Cruise designer Harper Goff hired Woody Strode to make a cast of his large muscular build. The cast was used for the statues of the African natives on the ride. The same cast was also used for the bodies of the Indian figures in Frontierland, so Strode's physical features inspired iconic Disneyland figures.

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6. #014

   In the early 1950s Woody Strode had a long relationship with the troubled actress Barbara Payton. The relationship took place at a time when relations between a Black man and a white woman were unheard of in Hollywood and illegal in many parts of the United States. The couple kept their relationship secret, but when it leaked, combined with Payton's mental problems and substance addiction, her career and life were ruined.

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7. #015

   When the Los Angeles Rams gave Kenny Washington a tryout, the team also signed Woody Strode as a lineman and made him Washington's roommate. The decision helped the two players adapt together and support each other within the team. Strode's presence eased Washington's transition to professional football.

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8. #017

   According to John Capouya's biography of Gorgeous George, Woody Strode visited his old friend in late 1963. On this visit, seeing the serious deterioration in Gorgeous George's health, Strode was both shocked and deeply saddened. The episode shows how strong the friendship between the two was.

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9. #018

   In the Italian Films Shooting column of the 5/6/70 issue of Variety, a film titled 'Violence' shot in Morocco was listed. Directed by Damiano Damiani, the film featured names such as Susan Strasberg, Farley Granger, Woody Strode, Adolfo Celi and Terence Hill. The production companies were given as Nyima Films and Western Intl. of Los Angeles, with Paris-Etoile as distributor. However, there is no evidence that the film was ever completed or distributed.

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10. #019

    Woody Strode was the inspiration for the character Hawk in Robert B. Parker's 'Spenser' detective novel series. Hawk stands out as an important and mysterious figure in the series. Strode's strong and charismatic presence was influential in the creation of this literary character.

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