From Small Town Dreams to Hollywood Stardom: How does the Legendary Actor Look Now?

Earl Holliman’s journey to Hollywood is a tale of determination and dreams. At just 14 years old in 1943, Holliman was determined to become a movie star.

Growing up in Oil City and Mooringsport, not Shreveport as often mentioned, he made his way to Hollywood through a series of stops.

First, he traveled to relatives in Camden, Arkansas, then took a bus to Texarkana, Texas. From there, he hitchhiked to Hollywood.

Holliman had saved some money from working as a theater usher and on the night shift at a cafe near Barksdale Air Force Base. He even had a lead on a place to stay from a serviceman he met at the cafe, which turned out to be in El Monte, California, quite far from Hollywood. Reflecting on his journey, Holliman admits it was a risky move, one that wouldn’t be advisable today.

That first attempt in Hollywood didn’t work out, leading Holliman to return home briefly before enlisting in the Navy. However, his dream of becoming a movie star never faded. He later returned to Los Angeles, where he studied at the Pasadena Playhouse and the University of California, Los Angeles.

Holliman’s persistence paid off. He built an impressive filmography, including roles in “Giant” (1956), “Forbidden Planet,” “The Rainmaker,” and “The Sons of Katie Elder.” He also became known for his television roles, notably alongside Angie Dickinson in “Police Woman” and with Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward in “The Thorn Birds.”

Holliman fondly recalls his early days in Hollywood, particularly his first morning in El Monte. He donned a short-sleeved silk shirt and dark glasses, strutting in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, wondering if people mistook him for a star. It was a moment filled with the innocent dreams of youth.

Related Posts

The Story Behind the Tiny Pocket on Your Jeans — And Why It’s Still There

What’s the Tiny Pocket in Your Jeans For? That small inner pocket in your jeans has a big backstory. Known as the watch pocket, it dates back…

Swamp People’ Star Passed Away

Junior Edwards, one of the original stars of the History Channel’s Swamp People, has died, according to a Facebook post from his grandson and co-star, “Little” Willie Edwards. The exact…

Queen Camilla’s sister speaks on King Charles’ marriage

King Charles and Queen Camilla have been through the toughest of times together. Their up-and-down story all began with their infamous affair while still married to their…

After 47 Years of Marriage, He Left — Now He’s Begging for Forgiveness

When John told Nicky he wanted a divorce after 47 years together, she was devastated. He mocked her, bragged about using their joint savings for a six‑month…

Julia’s Visit: A Night Beyond Time

What began as a fun night took a chilling turn. He met Julia at a party, they connected instantly, and spent the night together. By morning, she…

The Birthday Shoes That Changed Everything

I should have trusted my gut when Debbie, my icy MIL, gifted me expensive yellow patent leather shoes for my birthday. Her smile had been too sweet,…