Will Rogers

Will Rodgers

There are numerous people in the history of Oklahoma who have been famous, among them is Will Rodgers.  He was born in Oklahoma on November 4th, 1879 and died on August 15th, 1935. His parents were Clement Rodgers and Mary Schrimsher; a wealthy Cherokee family. In his early childhood, he joined Cherokee schools that were in the Indian Territory where he studied law. He was married to Betty Blake and together they had four children namely James Blake Rogers, Will Rodgers Junior, Mary Amelia Rogers and Fred Stone Rogers. The reason as to why Rodgers is the most outstanding famous person that should always be remembered is because he was a jack of all trades and did extremely well in almost all of them. During his life, he engaged in varied activities and professions such as journalism, acting, vaudeville performer, social commentator, a cowboy and humorist (Keating 4).

One of the reasons as to why Rodgers is famous is because of his humorous nature. It is due to this humorous character that he was able to win the heart of many people making him be remembered even within the contemporary society. According to (Curtis N.p), has continued to be remembered due to his humorous performances and writings which have over time earned him the title ‘Oklahoma’s Favorite Son. ’ Also, due to his legacy, a statue of Rogers has been set up in Oklahoma.

The second reason making Rodgers famous and a person to be remembered is an outstanding performance in the acting career. At search an early period in time, he was able to travel around different countries in the world and made over 70 films, this is something that was hardly done by anyone at the time. According to Yagoda (12), the mid-1930s saw most of the Americans adoring Rogers’ works making him turn out as the highest paid Hollywood, actor.

Furthermore, the third reason as to why Rodgers is famous and remembered by many Americans is his activism for the rights of the Americans. History has it that he was a very staunch Democrat; however, he supported some Republicans thus making him unique. According to Keating (4), Rodgers was a good leader who always fought for the writes of the minority and stood for the right things in the society.

In conclusion, Will Rodgers stands out as the most famous person in the history of Oklahoma and America in general. According to me, he should be remembered because of his uniqueness in how he did things. It is hard to find people in America who support both the democrats and republicans. Also, from his history, it is certain that he was a hard worker and his humor made him very talented in the acting career. It is important that you read stories regarding Will Rodgers inclusive of his use of humor in his philosophical quotes such as the one he was referring to the period that he will die. “When I die, my epitaph, or whatever you call those signs on gravestones, is going to read: "I joked about every prominent man of my time, but I never met a man I dident like." I am so proud of that; I can hardly wait to die so it can be carved” (Keating 20).

Works Cited

Curtis, Gene. "Only in Oklahoma: Rogers statue unveiling filled U.S. Capitol". Tulsa World,2007.Internet Source.

Keating, Francis A. Will Rogers: An American Legend. San Diego: Harcourt, 2002. Print.

Yagoda, Ben. Will Rogers: A Biography. Norman: University of Oklahoma