‘Idaho Kid’ Actor Known For Parties, Ran For Nevada Governor
Fans of western cinema from Idaho might recall an actor who took the state's name for a nineteen-thirties motion picture role about a cowboy who returns home in search of his father. The actor lived in Nevada, and was known for hosting wild desert parties with the Hollywood elite.
When most people think of famous actors from western films, names like John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Henry Fonda, Gary Cooper, and others immediately come to mind. One man who was also known to rub elbows with Hollywood royalty starred in a movie called 'The Idaho Kid,' which was released in 1936.
'Idaho Kid' Actor Once Ran For Governor Of Nevada And Was Known For His Parties
Rex Bell was born in 1903 in Chicago, according to details shared by Silent Westerns Fandom. Bell starred in over 40 films including The Misfits (1961) with Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and Montgomery Cliff. He played the lead role of 'Todd Hollister,' in The Idaho Kid.
READ MORE: Celebrate! Life In Idaho Is Like Living On A Movie Set
Bell was personal friends with many of the actors he starred with, including Gable, and died one year after The Misfits came out of a heart attack in Las Vegas. Although The Idaho Kid wasn't shot in the state, it did become associated with Idaho.
Bell married actress Clara Bow, and together they lived at The Walking Box Ranch in Nevada, where they were known to throw extravagant parties. Hollywood was just a four-hour drive from Bell's ranch in Searchlight.
Memories Of Twin Falls Last Blockbuster Video
Gallery Credit: Credit N8