Earl Holliman: From Small-Town Dreams to Hollywood Stardom—How He Looks at 95

In Shreveport, Louisiana, about eighty years ago, Earl Holliman was busy guiding moviegoers to their seats in a theater. However, his true ambition was to be on the big screen. Facing repeated rejection during auditions with comments like, “You just don’t look the part,” Holliman decided to change his appearance at the Paramount Studio barbershop.

Born in 1928 in Louisiana, Holliman always dreamed of becoming a movie star. At around 14, he worked as an usher at Shreveport’s Strand Theater, earning a modest 25 cents an hour. By 15, he saved up and hitchhiked to Hollywood with dark sunglasses in tow, hoping to blend in with the stars. Despite his enthusiasm, he struggled to find work and eventually returned home to finish high school.

After graduating, Holliman joined the military, which allowed him to attend a radio communications school in Los Angeles. During his shore leaves, he frequented the Hollywood Canteen and met future collaborators like Roddy McDowall. He also enrolled at the Pasadena Playhouse and had a small role in the 1953 film Scared Stiff with Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin.

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Hollywood proved tough for Holliman, who was often told he wasn’t suitable for leading roles or character parts. In an effort to stand out, he opted for cosmetic surgery before landing a role in The Girls of Pleasure Island (1953). His new, unconventional look—complete with a short, distinctive haircut—helped him find his niche as a character actor.

Holliman’s breakthrough came with The Rainmaker (1956), alongside Katharine Hepburn and Burt Lancaster, earning him a Golden Globe. He went on to share the screen with legends like John Wayne, Dean Martin, and Kirk Douglas and found success in the music industry as well.

He starred in the TV series Wide Country and later in Police Woman (1974-1978), where he worked closely with Angie Dickinson. Despite their occasional disagreements, Holliman admired Dickinson’s strong presence and their on-screen chemistry.

Honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1977, Holliman retired from acting in 2000, after roles in TV shows like The Twilight Zone and movies such as Bad City Blues (1999). He then focused on animal rights, helping injured animals and feeding hundreds of pigeons daily.

Holliman led the group Actors and Other Animals for 25 years, with support from celebrities like Betty White and Lily Tomlin. At 95, Holliman’s legacy is not only in his acting career but also in his dedication to animal advocacy.