Old Mose from THE SEARCHERS was my roommate! Why did DEADWOOD’s Jim Beaver bunk with Hank Worden?

How did actor, author, and film buff Jim Beaver end up spending several years in the home of veteran actor from the John Ford/John Wayne stock company Hank Worden? Find out in this fascinating conversation with Beaver and Rob Word as they discuss Beaver’s love of George Reeves, John Wayne, Groucho, and how Beaver’s cult character on DEADWOOD, “Whitney Ellsworth,” ended up with the same name as the producer of the classic series THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN.
Jim’s western credits include GERONIMO: AN AMERICAN LEGEND, BAD GIRLS, DESPERADO, WARDEN OF RED ROCK, EL DIABLO, THE LEGEND OF HELL’S GATE, GUNFIGHT AT SILVER CREEK, two GUNSMOKE movies with James Arness, and TV series PARADISE, THE YOUNG RIDERS and THE RANCH.
Film buff extraordinaire Jim has written scripts for TOUR OF DUTY, ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS (1985), essays for FILMS IN REVIEW and a biography of John Garfield.
This conversation also delves into the unusual character crossover of Beaver’s demon hunter “Bobby Singer” on the long running hit, SUPERNATURAL and the new series THE BOYS.
Recorded on location at The Autry Museum, July 19, 2022.
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#awordonwesterns #johnwayne #westerngenre #thesearchers #jimbeaver #filmhistory #oldmose #hank #hankworden #characteractor #deadwood #supernatural #theboys #superman #georgereeves #tvseries #tvclassics #author #filmreviewer #hollywood #hollywoodmovies #tvmovie #gunsmoke #johnford #roommate #roommates #robword #tourofduty #filmbuff #historian #interviewer #interview #talkshow #podcast #classic #classicwestern #retro #nostalgia #screenwriter #scripts

[@ronkemperful]

This actor was one of my favorite character actors. An accomplished rodeo performer, and in the movies, a humble soul whose rich performance gave humor, depth, color and meaning - to any story. In the Searchers, the character of Moses injected a much needed dose of humanity, counterbalancing Ethan’s hateful rage. In the turbulent times we live in, we all need a little Moses in ourselves. Thanks for sharing.

[@Paladin1873]

Hank Worden stole every scene he had in "The Searchers".

[@JMVideos7676]

Hard to think of a greater western than "The Searchers". Thanks for this great interview and insight into one of the great character actors.

[@patriciamiddleton635]

I and my family know Hank with a special place in our hearts, Hank was a former Iowan as well as Wayne we Love them both!! We speak of like a family member!!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Patricia. Hope you share this with other Iowans.

[@larry3064]

His performances in Deadwood was outstanding.👏

[@thepayne7862]

That is such a freaking cool story, and thank to Jim Beaver for his service.

[@joemotes]

Semper-Fi to Jim Beaver, good interview.

[@cahg3871]

My favourite actors are the ones you don’t necessarily know their names but you know their face and voice,guys likes Strother Martin,Slim Pickens,Harry Carey Jr. and Hank Worden.And for the last several years Jim Beaver has made my list.They added so much colour to a movie,they usually stole every scene they were in.Thanks for the memories.

[@jimm.2118]

Can you imagine writing a movie star and they become your friend? Even come visit you while your at a military base.. that is so wild to think about.. And then invite you to stay at his house. Pretty cool to know that Hank Worden became his friend and even be like his grandfather.. Loved the interview

[@wesmcgee1648]

Mr. Beaver is a fascinating guy. Bravo Rob! Great interview.

[@AlanRoehrich9651]

Hank Worden was an awesome actor in every single role I saw him play.

[@paulkitt2376]

Great hearing about hank worden and the relationship between him and Jim beavers sending a letter and getting a reply and then going to live with him there s a movie in that.

[@dianegraham6458]

Wonderful conversation😁

[@billjenkins687]

Back in the 80's I was a technician at Westec Security and was sent to do a service call at Hank's house in Brentwood. He was very calm and nice. He told me how he had worked with John Wayne in movies. Fabulous man.

[@cbamr]

Ha! What a funny fella. I'd love to read his George Reeves book when its ready and help him promote it.

[@Lee-qp6gf]

Hank is such a versatile actor and good in whatever he does. Whenever I saw "Moses" in a film I knew I would like it. Didn't know how great of a guy he was. Who would do what he did for Hank besides him. Hank, thanks for your service to our country. Cheers to all, Lee

[@elizabethbeckman1947]

So nice to meet Jim and thank you for sharing! At home at the Autry Museum..

[@LilHoss]

A movie about the friendship of these two men, Worden and Beaver, would be a good one!!!!

[@eddean6663]

Another excellent show Rob.

[@docsmithdc]

I remember Hank Worden in "The Big Sky"..."Poordevil" .

[@robatsea2009]

Another splendid interview. Jim's biographies of film personalities - and his writing in general - are as entertaining as his work in front of the camera, and judging by the photos of his days in the Marines he hasn't really aged all that much. A great talent, and a great storyteller.

[@Slick2462]

Rob, this is another home run for you. You always get the greatest guests, and bring out the best in them! Thank You!

[@joelcopeland3018]

Jim Beaver is great. I don't mean any offense with this statement, but he would be a great partner or sidekick for a lawman in a future show or movie.

[@williamlaws2353]

Love Jim Beaver Great actor So many wonderful characters

[@trotterhorsewatsonjr.6668]

I like how much Mr. Worden loved, his rocking chair in the movie "the Searcher!"

[@ranchokitty1]

by a fire...

[@danielcombs3048]

I feel like a horsefly 🐴 🪰on the Barn door someone left open. With your insider's interviews with all these great actors and actresses. With thier behind the scenes stories. Gives a better perspective to the movies in total. 🎥 🍿 Thanks for the ride 🐎🤠🏜️ .

[@AWordonWesterns]

Wow, thank you, Dan.

[@bruceprice8882]

That's exactly how I learned Hank's name, I always watched for repeating names and faces, I found all the great character actors that way.

[@frankdodgee]

Imagine all we would never know if Rob Word didn’t have WOW. Immensely enjoy these interviews. Thanks a million times Rob.

[@AWordonWesterns]

You bet, June. Glad we are able to do them.

[@ss67camaronut]

I second that!!!. Big big thanks.!

[@jimmyjames2022]

I am a big fan of Mr. Beaver playing roles, it's great to hear his life experiences. Then off to watch The Searchers again, it's been far too long.

[@alfandeddie]

I was always curious about Jim’s friendship with Hank Worden. Thanks Rob!

[@joansmith5870]

A super fan becomes a good friend with this kind and gentle actor. Sounds like a beautiful story. Interesting and unusual interview.

[@hiramnoone]

I personally found Jim to be just as gracious as Hank. I e-mailed him once having been a follower of his biographical sketches on IMDB regarding his book in progress on the life and death of George Reeves, which busy as he must have been he responded to within hours. And then again when I posited an observation regarding theories surrounding the mystery of Reeves's death, which he cordially debunked, pointing out that I'd confused as a witness author Richard Condon with his brother. Which was a little embarrassing for me. I ended it there, short of asking for his address and whether he had a spare room for me to move into. Nice guy, and always a fun interview.

[@henrygonzalez8793]

I wonder if even Jim knows how many star bios he has posted on IMDB. I know it’s a lot !!

[@hiramnoone]

@@henrygonzalez8793 Yeah, he should consider doing a Tom Weaver style book on some of these people. With maybe a western themed collection of bios and interviews while a lot of these folks are still alive.

[@CoondawgPD]

The Searchers was indeed the greatest movie ever made. Well, Mr. Worden was a fabulous actor playing fabulous characters. “Made out I was crazy. Heh, heh, heh. You don't think I'm crazy, do you, ma'am?...I ate dirt, chewed grass. I fooled 'em." What a Movie!

[@sc2824]

Another great interview, thanks.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Our pleasure, SC. Thanks

[@carolynpillsbury2735]

Great interview with the Guy that lived with Hank Worden. He was one of my favorites!!!

[@akulinamackenzie4492]

great ❤️

[@coleparker]

A great character actor. One of my favorites along with Arthur Hunnicutt , both of whom were in the Movie the Big Sky with Kirk Douglas

[@kellycoleman715]

How could you not love Hank ‘Mose’ Worden? His unmistakable character (same in every Western) seasoned every film he was in. I think Jim Beaver went to high school in Irving, Texas near Dallas. I wonder if he attended Irving High. My grandmother taught American history there for many years and was still teaching at that time. One of her students who she mentioned often was Gary Necessary, who was a stage manager and producer of many award-winning TV shows and specials from the late 1960’s through the 80’s. My grandmother was Vesta Coleman, a remarkable woman who had experiences with many characters from 20th Century American history.

[@Buzz1151]

hey Rob..very good interview with Jim....when I was a kid watching "The Searchers" on TV , old Mose was my favorite character in that film....after that, I was always on the lookout for Hank Worden in other films too, just like Jim Beaver! I have an audio clip of him saying" thank you kindly", and have used that clip a few times on my KZbin channel fixing old radios🍺🍺

[@jerryburgess9524]

My favorite movie. I miss all those great actors and actresses.

[@tablature6121]

A really big reason for my loving Rob and AWOW -- introducing me to people heretofore never entering my realm of awareness. Jim Beavers is such a delightful and clever guest, Rob, many thanks for this. A fellow former Marine, too -- icing on the cake. Semper Fi, Jim Beavers, and thank you for your service. I always tell every 'Nam vet I meet they are truly heroes of mine -- because they went, I didn't have to. May God bless always.

[@arlineabdalian8974]

Another fascinating interview. Many thanks, Rob and Jim, and Team AWOW. We must collect as many oral histories as possible to document and understand the history of the Western genre as well as the industry as a whole. Many thanks again!

[@kenhurley4441]

One of your best interviews Rob. Mr. Beaver didn't let much of anything stop him from his success!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Yep, Jim's having a very interesting journey. Thanks, Ken.

[@rogeramos5810]

Rob, thank you, I really injoy these longer interviews.

[@thedoxinator3934]

Rob, another enjoyable interview , once again you NAILED IT 👍

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, DOX

[@ss67camaronut]

Jim Beaver is AWESOME!!! Live EVERYTHING Jim is in. Would love to see him lead in a new western. He is such a talent who is so believable as every character he does. Nails it perfectly every time. Supernatural, ♥️ deadwood♥️ the boyz ♥️.... Jim is soooo much more than a character actor. Deserves lead roles. Great interview. Thank both of you. Big fan;-)

[@travismcgee7488]

Thank you for this great interview and thanks to Mr. Beaver for all of the great shows and his military service.

[@ralphbevins3763]

Another great interview! Rob, your hosting/interviewing skills, knowledge and humor never cease to amaze me. Can't wait for Jim Beaver's George Reeves book. Hopefully I'll live long enough for him to finish it!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Ralph. I'm pretty amazed, too!

[@trotterhorsewatsonjr.6668]

Thank You for this interview....awesome!!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@richb313]

Well you stumped the expert but we learned so much during the interview and really glad attention was brought to Hank Worden who I continuously picture in a rocking chair and always brings a smile to my face. Thanks Rob.

[@AWordonWesterns]

I'm smilin' now, rich. Thanks.

[@LIE11Bldg7]

I'M A HUMBLED MAN.. Videos like this can be as simple as a CURE to the little things in life

[@AWordonWesterns]

Your humble servant. Glad you’re enjoying our shows. Thanks.

[@timothyplonk2982]

An awesome interview. Excellent 👍

[@wildbillharding]

Fuller details of Hank's opinions on Ford would have made the interview even better.

[@grahamhill6340]

HANK WORDEN what a guy! He looked old even when he was young... an ageless scene stealing character actor who appeared in and added to so many eclectic movies, let alone scores of iconic westerns! Talking of iconic, Hank appeared in 17 John Wayne movies... But for Rob's guest JIM BEAVER knowing so much about Hank from their long and close relationship, what a treat for everyone today. Mr. Beaver's personal telling of his story acting on Netflix's LONGMIRE was very heartfelt... but for those young casting people who totally rely on the IMDB for checking out bit-part actors for their shows, if they only knew how many IMDB biographies he has written they would be surprised indeed!

[@practicalplinking6133]

I watched "The Searchers" again last night and this shows up !!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Perfect timing, pp.

[@suev3339]

What a spectacular interview. Thanks to Jim for his service. Know the feeling of writing a letter and becoming a friend. I correspond w/a 90 year (young) radio program founder for over 40 years now. All I did was write and thank him for his wonderful program I enjoy every Sunday afternoon. It’s a delight of my life. The variety of talents Jim Beaver has is exceptional, especially his research for the book on Reeves. It’ll be a treatise. Thanks again Rob for your specialty in interviews.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thank you, Sue. I, too, am looking forward to Jim's book.

[@beevee4445]

Once again, excellent... Justified and Longmire two of my current favorites.. Always enjoyed movies with Hank Worden (many with John Wayne), but never knew his name. Thank you for bringing him to us in this interview!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@philwebb3]

WOW - Enjoyed this so much. Thanks Rob

[@texasjetman]

Absolutely awesome character actor for sure, one of the best in his era, Thank you so much for your efforts in bringing this to life.

[@AWordonWesterns]

You bet, Brian. Thanks.

[@lescook9021]

Not sure I've seen much of Jim Beaver's work. But I looked him up and based on what I read and this interview, I need to look further into his writings and his other work. Always enjoyed watching Hank Worden in every film I saw him in.

[@georgeearls3338]

Mr. Hank Worden was in many great movies, including one of my all time favorites The Big Sky, along with another favorite actor of mine. Arthur Hunnicutt . Both great actors.

[@garymckee63]

Outstanding 👍 interview and thanks for the new content.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you enjoyed it, Gary

[@KyleCowden]

@A Word on Westerns, two things I enjoy is history and Westerns. Your content is a great marriage of where the two meet. Sadly, like that of our Greatest Generation, our Westerns' history is disappearing too. It can't be overstated what it means to see these records that you've preserved. These stories are endearing, humorous and often poignant. Thank you.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Kyle. Hope you're still enjoying them. We just shot several new interviews last week at The Autry.

[@skatepark1ful]

HOWDY!!!!!!!!, Rob. From Janice and Vince B. Another fantastic vid and you both were so entertaining and informative!!! Thanks again!!!!!!!! Cheers to all who read, write in, and enjoy these vidz

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Janice and Vince. Enjoy the shows and the holidays

[@ginnywalker184]

I absolutely love these interviews with the actors who have such great knowledge of the history of westerns. They are so enjoyable and so very interesting. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@trotterhorsewatsonjr.6668]

I loved Longmire!!!

[@sandrasanders706]

Never got to finnish the series.

[@buckjones6334]

Ironic that Jim Beaver should be discussing Hank Worden as an actor he admired but didn’t know his name. For me he is a exactly that performer. I’ve seen and enjoyed him for years but until today didn’t know his name. Thank you Rob for putting a name tag on so many performers, writers, producers and directors! I believe that Robert Horner is the writer who I’ve followed in my quest to learn as much as I can about who’s alias I favor!! BUCK JONES! I’m going to do some more research on Robert Horner! Thanks again!

[@mjemigh3304]

Uh-boy.....Horner was some piece of work. Just TRY to get through one of his movies. At one point, "Variety" ran a story about him with the headline, "The $1000 Western." He could do those films because he was the writer, producer, editor, director, and probably other titles. I guess the only thing he didn't do was make himself the star. His legs were cut off in some kind of train mishap as a kid, so he was probably too short to face the bad guy in the street showdown.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Here's our episode about Robert J. Horner. Watch & Learn! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2K4q4RsfdB2qZI

[@mjemigh3304]

Another great one, Rob! I ran into Hank sometime in the '80s and really enjoyed our talk. I recall that it was more about life than about films, and I got the impression that he preferred that to answering the same old questions that fans ask. He later sent me a photo from an unfortunate Laurel & Hardy film called, "The Bullfighters," which he had signed in very shaky handwriting. I'm sure it's around here somewhere. I only recently saw a Tex Ritter film he did which proved that he hadn't ALWAYS been Ol' Mose. He sure seemed like Mose that time that we were stuck with each other for an hour or so (airport, maybe? I really can't remember).

[@AWordonWesterns]

Check out our print of THE QUIET GUN, MJ. Hank Worden has one of his largest roles. He's very good in it, too, intimidated by Lee Van Cleef. Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZDbY5-sgZulgJY

[@mjemigh3304]

@@AWordonWesterns Yup, I remember seeing that one and really enjoying it. Anyone who missed it needs to hit that link!

[@OdeeOz]

Heyyyy I remember that fight scene Jim mentioned from Longmire, and the other shows he was in. Rob, you are 100% on the ball, with these great guests, and the tales they have to share with us all. 👍👍& another 10⭐🤠

[@jimross7648]

I really enjoy when you have a conversation with someone like Jim Beaver. A fellow who is knowledgeable about films and performers. I'm sure I've seen at least 200 of those 300 credits of his. His talent made me remember his face, long before I knew his name. Never knew he lived with Hank Warden who was also a singularly unique film presence. I knew that Beaver was also a writer, but I haven't read much of his work. This conversation reminded me of being in basement with a drink or a coffee shop listening to two movie people just discussing life, film and TV. I just get to listen and learn things that you can't just discover, because no one else realized the importance of these varied topics until you filmed this episode.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Jim. I'm glad you enjoyed our "basement" memories.

[@TimothyJonSarris]

Am enjoying this so much! Thank you Mr. Word and a happy Sunday to you and yours.

[@dk60ish]

Wonderful!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Many thanks!

[@Dick_Shinn]

Interesting that Jim Beaver has a connection with two people with Iowa roots. Worden was born in Rolfe, Iowa, and George Reeves lived in Woolstock, Iowa, two towns divided by one county, and basically 40 miles apart. Worden was a Stanford-educated engineer who didn't pass the flight physical to become a pilot during WWII! even though he would have been in his late 30's at that time!

[@AntillesP]

Great stories, thanks for sharing.......

[@proudpatriot8946]

Great interview....thank you

[@mistergrandpasbakery9941]

I now have a new favorite AWoW video! This is western gold!! 🇺🇸

[@AWordonWesterns]

Ha! Thanks. Hearing that is like icing on the cake!

[@rogertemple7193]

In the classic movies and TV shows I always watch and learn about the supporting minor actors and actresses who were in many things but never became big names and before the internet and IMDB I was unable to find out anything about actors and actresses like this but now with internet and IMDB I can do just that and Hank Worden is one of many of those performers I look up periodically to see what they have been on pertaining to films and TV shows as far as the big name actors go you find Film Encyclopedias of them but the lesser known performers don't get as lucky most recently it has been John Milford a veteran heavy in many films and television shows and usually in westerns and other performers like this.

[@alvaropelayo8084]

I have always loved The Duke's costars: Ward Bond, Paul Fix, Hank Worden, Andy Devine, Harry Carey jr, Chuck Hayward, James Arness, Yakima Canutt, Ben Johnson, Bruce Cabot, Harry Woods, Frank McGrath, Earl Dwire, Lafe McKee, Guinn Williams...

[@dongarrigus2765]

A "Classic", thanks Rob!

[@sandrasanders706]

Loved the series Tour of Duty..very underrated show.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Yes it was!

[@djdiscoworm]

Merry Christmas Rob !!!!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, disco. You, too.

[@marshastrickland9279]

Love love love this…thank you

[@galencox4278]

Great interview Rob. Keep em comming, as long as our actors stick around.

[@lisad476]

Wonderful interview.

[@allencoles7661]

Great show. Thank you !

[@Dstrbrdgrnd]

He was in a bunch of the Duke’s movies, great actor!

[@desertfox3860]

Really nice! I love your interviews! Thanks for sharing!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Foxy.

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Thanks for sharing the memories

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you enjoyed it, John. Thanks.

[@johncoffman2703]

an awesome interview thanks

[@stevenhall2408]

Character actors from the 60s and 70s were some of the hardest working people in Hollywood like Hank and Jim. I got to be friends with Paul Harper, one of the bounty hunters in "The Wild Bunch" who did lots of background characters in westerns, he was a natural when he took out his dentures! He was next door neighbor to David Carradine and had tons of stories to tell. Loved Hank and still look for Jim in productions.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Steven. Ole Paul used to join us for our monthly lunches. Wish we'd been able to start AWOW back then. He was a terrific photographer, too.

[@stevenhall2408]

@@AWordonWesterns thanks for the reply, he was a super nice guy and a patriot.

[@williambilyeu9801]

Great interview, Rob. I became a fan of Jim Beaver from his appearances on "Justified." I watched "Deadwood" and liked his character there. I was so upset when he was killed. Now I will have to look up some of his other appearances. I have "Longmire" (my younger daughter suggested it) but not the others. Also, I didn't so much think of Jim Beaver as a villain, as a desperate man who was trying to hide from the real villain. I have always been a fan of character actors, especially the great ones, like Hank Worden. 👍👍😀😄

[@AWordonWesterns]

Jim sure is versatile and harkens back to the classic movie character actors of the past. Thanks for your comments, Bill.

[@barbararustici574]

La grandezza di questi attori detti " minori " è tale da far si che un grande film diventi un capolavoro della cinematografia mondiale. 😍👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

[@Sourdo1]

What a small world. I was a riding extra on The Searchers when I was a Lad. Hundreds of stories about that one.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Awesome, Sourdo. We'd love to hear them. Where do you live?

[@blusnuby2]

The Searchers & The Outlaw Josey Wales: #1 & #2 All-Time Greatest Westerns ! Hank Worden had fine horse-skills, along with Ben Johnson.

[@AWordonWesterns]

He sure was, blus. Hank rodeoed, too.

[@willieluncheonette5843]

he was a terrific actor

[@joegray1155]

Great interview what an amazing story

[@DarrylWhiteguitar]

Great interview!

[@LesterMoore]

Hank Worden, Ken Curtis and Strother Martin are the actors that complete all great films with their presence. I have other favorite character actors as I'm sure you do. Who are yours?

[@AWordonWesterns]

Those you mention and others from the Golden Age including Ward Bond, Sterling Holloway, Charlie Hall, William Schallert, Frank Faylen, Eric Blore, Andy Clyde, Charles King and…my list could go on and on but I’ll end it with Gabby Hayes.

[@chrishoare5652]

Fantastic, thanks !!

[@manlystranger4973]

Rob, I noticed the picture of you with John Wayne is the same pic which appears at the end of each episode of the Young Duke series. Is there a AWOW video in which you speak about the Young Duke series? I would love to hear your thoughts on the colorization techniques used, if you were happy with the results of the editing and colorization, if this is something you would like to do again with other old westerns, and any other lessons you learned during the process. I would also love to hear the story of the pic of you and the Duke. It must have been a great day! Thanks for all the great videos!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Stranger. We never made a behind-the-scenes documentary on making YOUNG DUKE. It sure was a lot of fun, though. I'm very happy with the way they turned out. I even co-wrote the theme song and several songs for various episodes. The story of me meeting Duke is in an AWOW with Patrick Wayne. Here's the link. Enjoy! kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5ykgZmngJV0kNE

[@davidhosscowart5849]

Hank Worden ❤️❤️❤️❤️