Frank McGrath is one of the world’s most popular and talented Stuntmen. He is best known for his work in the film industry. His work is credited for helping to shape the face of the action film industry. In fact, he is often referred to as “The King of Stunts”.
Early life
Frank McGrath’s early life is somewhat unknown. He was born on February 2, 1903 in Missouri. His father was a sheep farmer and his mother was a housekeeper. There were also two older brothers. The family later moved to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
During his adolescence, Frank McGrath was fascinated with Arnold Schwarzenegger. He began training at a young age in his parent’s basement. However, he didn’t take the sport seriously. He only participated in a few shows in his early years.
In the mid-1990s, Frank McGrath began competing in bodybuilding. After earning his Pro card, he won the Canadian Championships. Although he hasn’t competed since 2008, he hasn’t stopped. Now, he’s working to create his own brand.
Before he became an actor, Frank McGrath worked as a stuntman. He acted in The Searchers and Wagon Train. He was also a stagecoach driver in The Tin Star.
Film career
Frank McGrath’s film career lasted for a little over 40 years. He had a knack for doubling for famous actors and was often seen in the “Western Union” with George O’Brien. In addition to his acting, he was a jockey for midwest racetracks and did some stunts. Some of his notable achievements include working as a stuntman for John Wayne and completing three horse fall scenes in one movie.
Besides his film career, McGrath was also known for his television appearances. He appeared as ranch foreman John Pike in the ’56 episode of ABC’s Cheyenne. Then he played stagecoach driver Neddie Henshaw in the ’66 episode of NBC’s The Virginian. Similarly, he played a US Army bugler in the ’59 movie The Longest Day.
Although he did not make many movies, he did appear in one of the earliest computer animated animated films, the Don Knotts comedy-western The Shakiest Gun in the West. Another notable accomplishment was his appearance in 121 screen shots in She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.
Stuntman career
The Hollywood Stuntman’s Hall of Fame inducts Frank McGrath as one of its members. His life and career spanned eight decades and earned him over 47 credits in the film and television industries. He appeared in three films in 1967.
He was an expert horseman. He performed saddle falls and horsefall stunts. He also did a number of drag stunts. One example of his expertise was his portrayal of a bugler in the Calvary movies.
At 16 years old, Frank began his career in the films. He got his first uncredited role in the 1932 film The Rainbow Trail. A few years later, he landed an uncredited role in the Henry Fonda film The Tin Star.
In the 1930s, he got small speaking roles in several films. Eventually, he doubled for a variety of famous actors and actresses.
Bodybuilding career
The name Frank McGrath may not be familiar to you, but he is a professional bodybuilder who has made his mark. His physique is impressive and his arms are incredibly symmetrical. He is a social media star and the face of an international fitness brand. You can watch his workouts on YouTube.
A skinny kid growing up, McGrath was always picked last when playing sports or other physical activities. That was until he became fascinated with Arnold Schwarzenegger and his muscular physique. By the time he was eighteen, he was already working out.
McGrath grew up in a small rural town in Newfoundland. He had an older sister and two parents who worked hard to support him. It was in his parent’s basement that he began training.
Death
Frank McGrath is an American actor and stunt performer. He has been in many films and television shows. His career has spanned over five decades. During his career, he played a stagecoach driver in NBC’s The Virginian and a stagecoach cook in ABC’s Wagon Train.
A talented and popular actor, McGrath was able to bring in between $3 million and $5 million during his career. However, he also was not blessed with the health of other Hollywood stars. On May 13, 1967, he died of a heart attack in Beverly Hills, California.
Known for his role as Charlie B. Wooster on the popular television series Wagon Train, McGrath was also a guest star on other shows. In 1967, he appeared in three movies: The Shakiest Gun in the West, The Big Valley and The Searchers.
