Earl Holliman’s journey to Hollywood is a testament to his persistence and ambition. At just 14 years old in 1943, Holliman was determined to become a movie star.
Raised in Oil City and Mooringsport, rather than Shreveport as often noted, he embarked on his path to Hollywood through a series of steps.
He first traveled to relatives in Camden, Arkansas, then took a bus to Texarkana, Texas. From there, he hitchhiked all the way to Hollywood.
Holliman had saved up money from his jobs as a theater usher and working the night shift at a cafe near Barksdale Air Force Base. A serviceman he met at the cafe even gave him a tip about a place to stay, which turned out to be in El Monte, California—quite a distance from Hollywood.
Reflecting on his journey, Holliman acknowledges it was a bold move, one that would not be advisable in today’s times.
HOLLYWOOD JOURNEY
His initial venture in Hollywood didn’t go as planned, prompting Holliman to briefly return home before enlisting in the Navy. Yet, his dream of becoming a movie star remained unwavering. He eventually returned to Los Angeles, where he refined his craft at the Pasadena Playhouse and the University of California, Los Angeles.
Holliman’s perseverance paid off, leading to an impressive filmography that includes iconic films such as “Giant” (1956), “Forbidden Planet,” “The Rainmaker,” and “The Sons of Katie Elder.”
He also made a significant impact on television, notably appearing 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, especially his first morning in El Monte. Wearing a short-sleeved silk shirt and dark glasses, he strolled past Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, wondering if passersby mistook him for a star. It was a moment full of the innocent dreams of youth.
To see how Earl Holliman looks today at 95, please see below:
