This Is Your Life- March 30, 1955 (Walter Brennan)

Beginning with some pre-Oscar footage with John West, Glen Ford and Eleanor Powell on the red carpet, three-time Oscar winner Walter Brennan (the first Best Supporting Actor winner) is this week's star on This Is Your Life.

[@alvaalgood9393]

I met Walter Brennen in His motel Joseph, Oregon. I went to the office to check in and to check the fire extinguisher's for their maintenance. I introduced myself to him and we enjoyed a very good visit.

[@rayrobbins4625]

Mr. Brennan has been my favorite actor and person for 60 years. And his song Ol' Rivers is one of my favorites. RIP .

[@rinobetti4915]

Z

[@beckylawler2768]

I wish Walter Brennan understood how heartwarming it was to all of little folks to know that he once hit hard times. Not that we would wish that on him, but that he gives inspiration that there is hope for all who are having a hard time. ❤

[@musajohnathan934]

You all prolly dont care but does anyone know a tool to get back into an Instagram account? I was stupid forgot my login password. I appreciate any tips you can give me!

[@matiasfisher676]

@Musa Johnathan instablaster ;)

[@redcauthen771]

There was an old black man back in Frazier Park, Tn. That I knew, and this song reminds me of the many times I visited with him and listen to his stories & wisdom. I think I was around 10 or 11 years old😢😊

[@nuwavedave]

What a kick! Walter Brennan was a pistol as a character actor. God bless him!

[@mermaidgirl9232]

I think this is one of the best This is Your Life show I’ve ever seen.

[@vernt4583]

Real people and the way it was back then!! He’s such a sincere man!!!! Love him singing old river

[@hardlines4]

What a great show and a great era to be in!

[@Gerlad970]

This site is a treasure as it's one of the few that doesnt have a stupid counter on screen destroying the video.

[@evelynmcgee7536]

Walter Brennan was a joy to behold in many movies.

[@BETTERWORLDSGT]

My favorite was the Westerner with Him and Gary Cooper!

[@deanh7190]

So wholesome and so well spoken.

[@kimmieanne1]

One of the greatest character actors of all time...

[@shannonfeathers644]

I agree... I only saw him as Grandpa McCoy, but that was enough to prove his talent. 🌻💚🌈

[@vaec58]

Great show! What a treat to see Mr.Brennan!

[@brendakempf186]

Always a fan of Walter Brennan.

[@hdtwal1den]

What a delightful show. Wish it were still on.

[@stratplayr6997]

Loved seeing all of his family come out, especially the grandkids who all gave him big hugs!

[@drsssssssss]

Good to hear his real voice.

[@tiffsaver]

What a true American hero. Thanks for posting:)

[@magoo9767]

None around Hollywood like ole Walter anymore...miss those folks.

[@philippeh3904]

Yeah, Walter Brennan was a disgusting racist who did a jiggy dance when he heard that MLK was murdered

[@henrystory3011]

Bigot to the 9th degree. Gone too late.

[@travels129]

Absolute ledgend mighty actor

[@MyREDTAIL]

One of our greatest Character Actors May he RIP & I Sadly missed by all of his Fans etc.

[@Michelles222]

Wow...that was beautiful. Made me cry. Ole Stumpy! Rip

[@1959blantz]

Walter Brennan was a good man both on camera and off. Of all the episodes of "This Is Your Life" this is one of the best I had ever seen. You could see his excitement every time one of his old friends, and his family came out on stage. Hollywood has no class anymore.

[@PatriotAcresinTexas]

I loved this video. Thanks! R.I.P. Mr. Brennan, I grew up loving your work!

[@dryocum]

I love Walter.. Great spirit!

[@tugginalong]

When he’s in a movie, you will give him your undivided attention. Quite a character actor.

[@foxvienna1]

A great actor and scene stealer!

[@mickeyray3793]

Amazing, at the time of this show, his immensely popular and long-running TV show "The Real McCoys" was still two years in the future. At this time he was known only as a star in the movies. Comedians used to say about him that he ALWAYS played OLD men, even when he was young! 😊

[@MarkHarrison733]

He was already in his late thirties when he began playing old men.

[@richardpodnar5039]

Truly a blessed man!😀

[@nandofigueira2005]

He was a humble man, sensitive and human, a great person, I admire him very much. R.I.P.

[@njmarknj]

Actually, he was quite the racist!

[@MTknitter22]

Mark Orop No he was not. Stop.

[@henrystory3011]

Bigot!!!

[@justenough730]

@James Henderson nothing at all wrong with being an anti semite.you stop saying bad things about Walter.

[@100texan2]

James Henderson and you’re anti white racist so what’s the difference?

[@Firebrand55]

A total, total legend.....I can't imagine any Westen complete without Walter Brennan, the complete cowboy. Brennan's characterization lingers in the mind years after his many memorable performances. I wish I could have talked with him just once.

[@Dr.Pepper001]

I saw Walter Brennan's grave. It is one of many simple graves along a cemetery road in the San Fernando Mission Cemetery. The marker is a small brass plate inscribed with very little info. Brennan did not want some fancy, expensive headstone or glorious epitaph; yet he was one of the greatest character actors Hollywood ever produced. He played Grandpa McCoy when I was in my early teens. My dad, who grew up on a farm in Georgia would laugh himself silly when the Real McCoys came on TV once a week.

[@markharrison2544]

It was such a racist series.

[@saffronsworld1508]

@@markharrison2544 --- Depends on how you define racist. Of course, these days with me being an old white man automatically makes me a racist to liberal snowflakes and whitey-hating blacks. Well fuck them and the horses they rode in on.

[@frankpaya690]

@@markharrison2544 Oh, go screw yourself. You take out of context one tidbit of someone's life and ignore the rest.

[@ronhaworth5471]

From the preacher on Sgt.York to judge Roy Bean in the Westerner and all points in between.A wonderful actor!!

[@ronhaworth5471]

@James Henderson Wasn't aware.Sorry to learn!

[@susanhutchison1270]

James Henderson You comment on many posts saying the same thing. Are you a paid troll or just don’t have s life and feel big about bad mouthing an American treasure. If he was an anti Semite how did he have such a long and successful career in Hollywood? Three academy awards along the way. Then went on to being a producer. I think you’re a 9 to 5 troll and work out of your moms basement.

[@JamesRichards-mj9kw]

@@susanhutchison1270 Everett Greenbaum, Stanley Frazen and many others confirmed Brennan was anti-Semitic.

[@taclas1]

What a humble man!

[@hippiegirl58]

As a Bostonian, i love hearing the Boston accents. Walter was a brilliant character actor and a true gentleman.

[@justenough730]

@James Henderson well! What's wrong with that?thought you were going to say something negative about Walter,glad you didn't.

[@teresabacon9663]

oh my gosh i havent enjoyed anything for so long , such memories i grew up w him! Thank you so very much

[@droopy12able]

Great....infact I have never seen him look this young...he always seemed to talk and look old. such a good actor.

[@davidjohnson4343]

this seemed like the most "rushed through" episode of "this is your life" I ever saw. One of my favorite actors Dave J, 72

[@droopy12able]

Yes ,David I agree with you...such a great actor in his craft. Heck - I grew up with him. I hate to be pessimistic, yet it seems that most of the good actors are far and few between. Now if you have pretty teeth and blonde or sophisticatied,(in some way???)as well as "knowing the right people"...you are in like flint! Years ago when Susan Haywood, Bette, Joan, Natalie, Glen ford, Richard Whitmark, etc. , not only had to act but also sing...know what I mean? Perhaps I am getting old.....Lol

[@frankprovasek5394]

Brennan played old men since he was in his 40s. He was a staunch conservative and quite wealthy...fellow actors on the Real McCoys were amused at "Grandpa McCoy" reading the Wall Street Journal between takes.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Well said and well put ! A truly gifted actor...and incredibly versatile ! I enjoyed him in so many films and TV programs and as a teen I enjoyed watching him on Friday nights on ABC in the series "The Guns of Will Sonnett". THANKS for your comment, Carol !! :-)

[@jubalcalif9100]

I have a notion to second that emotion ! This episode seems incredibly rushed through but with a long career like Walter's I guess is was necessary. And this was before he started his long run in the TV sitcom classic "The Real McCoys" ! Like you, the late great Walter Brennan is one of my all time fave character actors ! SO talented !!

[@BrocktonOval]

Pretty special to watch this.

[@bigtexmacgonigle444]

Love that scene in Red River where John Wayne tells Walter Brennan "I understand ya better without your teeth!"...lmao

[@gloriasalsman1017]

Glenn Ford and Walter Brennen was 2 of the greatest actors,

[@michaelmantle6043]

Gloria Salsman At least you could have had the decency to spell his last name correctly. Dope.

[@triplanelover]

wow; thanks Walt you had a great life

[@keithhyttinen8275]

Walter should have won a supporting actor Oscar for his role as the preacher in "Sergeant York".

[@JamesRichards-mj9kw]

That was an awful film.

[@Johnnycdrums]

"And you got a little shot of mustard gas, didn't you?" "Gee whiz, this is like a dream."

[@howardkerr8174]

I had no idea that Walter Brennan was a 3 time Oscar winner, certainly well deserved, tho.

[@MarkHarrison733]

It was not deserved.

[@JamesRichards-mj9kw]

He only won 3 Oscars because the Union of Extras was allowed to vote for the nominees then.

[@efhs1970]

Awesome show!💫

[@jakewhitney9820]

Actors back then had a helluva lot more humility. And they were better actors.

[@RafaelaFerguson]

I have always loved Walter Brennan. He was such a consummate actor no matter what role he was playing. He deserved every Oscar he received and probably should have been recognized for the roles he played in a few other movies. ❤❤

[@MarkHarrison733]

He never really won any Oscars.

[@RafaelaFerguson]

@@MarkHarrison733 Thanks for the clarification. When I think about it I guess he was nominated several times for an Oscar but never won the category. It was probably for best supporting actor. Still, a great actor, and seemed like a very kind, modest man in real life. Have a nice day Mr. Harrison. 😀😀

[@MarkHarrison733]

@@RafaelaFerguson He only won due to the Union of Extras. He was an extreme racist and an anti-Semite.

[@195511SM]

Wish they would bring back this show.

[@MichaelBoyce-tm2vw]

He spent his last years on Liberty Records...his biggest hit was Old Rivers the song was sampled throughout on Dickie Goodmans Ben Crazy.

[@MicheleMJJ]

This was such a wonderful show honoring Walter Brennan. What a kind and gentle man he was, What a lovely family and great friends he had. I grew up watching The Real McCoys…..Grandpa Amos.

[@tugginalong]

Great show and episode

[@bradthurkle7217]

Incredible talented.

[@CombatDoc54]

Such a wonderful man.

[@100texan2]

James Henderson good and your a “other than white” supremacist. I bet you can’t sleep at night worrying who is what don’t you?

[@LegixInfo]

Read the Wikipedia article on him. He wasn't a particularly wonderful man. He was quite a bigot.

[@tron5517]

I did Walter Brennan impressions in high school my kids have no idea who he was.

[@jameshennighan8193]

Sportsmanship, Community, Family, Church and Respect....... The values of The Real America......... Why we love America...and Americans........ Our greatest friend.... James Hennioghan Yorkshire, England

[@BETTERWORLDSGT]

Good Episode, and that's My ruling!

[@happiness1956]

Very nice of Ralph Edwards could talk on camera without stuttering and scammering

[@gennettor8915]

Nobody mentions it but Walter Brennan was also in the "King Of Jazz"!

[@robertmaceanruig6291]

I remember him, he help to make them movies good well good I watch today

[@barbaramarkland7441]

Love THIS MAN WITH ALL HE DID. RIO BRAVO WITH JOHN WAYNE, DEAN MARTIN AND RICKY NELSON SINGING IN THE JAIL PART. LISTEN TO HIM SING ( OLD SHEP) 🤗

[@JamesRichards-mj9kw]

The singing scene should have been cut from that racist film. Brennan was only talking on the records.

[@garyechols9458]

The year I was born. Sir I 'm climbing that mountain.

[@steplumpkin5432]

WHAT A SHOW!!!!!!!!

[@ohmeowzer1]

Love Walter B he was a great man

[@marcegrecco53]

I loved Walter Brennon, the real Macoy

[@denniswilliams7802]

He also stared in The Sons of Will Sonnet I forget the year.

[@edoedo8686]

Hmmm... Interesting Hollywood history. Glenn Ford appeared impatient and in a rush. As for Mr. Brennan, interesting. I never really cared for his work, the same for John Wayne. As I boy, I saw his movies and shows, but usually I shrugged. Later, during my film and theater studies at Chapman College (Orange, California), I learned more about Mr. Brennan. I actually took a class (political history) by John G. Schmitz, a John Birch organizer, at Santa Ana College. He often tallked with pride about Brennan. He gave me an A. I remember being utterly chilled by Brennan's overt intolerance. 66 now. And looking back, man oh man...

[@garycarpenter2980]

What can I say about this gentleman, he was a great actor and he was great in The Real Mccoys and Rio Bravo and his Disney movies

[@APRIL2862]

Before The Real McCoys!

[@urstruly1542]

Loved him in Red River.& To Have &Have Not.

[@terrihenricks4160]

At the time of his appearance on This Is Your Life in 1955, Walter Brennan was 60 years old and well into his acting career. However, one his greatest successes was still to come. He starred on the television series The Real McCoys, which ran from 1957 to 1963.

[@darlenevicars3988]

Terri henricks He was also on the guns of will sonnet. At least to the best of my memory I could be wrong that was when I was 11 or 12

[@Johnnycdrums]

@@darlenevicars3988 "No brag, just fact."

[@JamesRichards-mj9kw]

It was an awful series.

[@pgh45rpms]

Walter also made the hit narrative recording, "Old Rivers", in 1961.

[@MTknitter22]

pgh45rpms Oh our family played his Christmas records every year. Best songs ever.

[@MichaelBoyce-tm2vw]

On Walter Brennan Sings? The title a joke.

[@JamesRichards-mj9kw]

@@MichaelBoyce-tm2vw He was only talking.

[@mapachehombre1581]

I was aborn 5th April 1955

[@Johnnycdrums]

They don't make em' like that anymore.

[@ermabailey307]

There will never be another. No one can touch him.

[@BuddyBoy600alt]

This is from the AMC broadcast of This is Your Life.

[@jubalcalif9100]

I used to love AMC when they ran REAL movie classics (commercial free) and other great programs & documentaries like this ! And they had wonderful hosts like Nick Clooney and Bob Dorian ! Now AMC runs endless commercials during their movies and rarely show movies from Hollywood's Golden Age !! :-( Oh the humanity.... :-(

[@christineporter53]

I loved him too til I found out what horrible racist he was. Dancing when he found out of martin Luther king got assassinated and worse.

[@lupulstroops4389]

FABULOUS.WALTER BRENNAN,THE REAL MCCOY !!!! A GREAT HUMAN BEING.LOVE AND GOD BLESS YOU SIR !!

[@paylmoffat3409]

3 Oscars Amazing, I never knew

[@JamesRichards-mj9kw]

Undeserved.

[@jaysoper3974]

unlike rake Glen Ford, Walter Brennan was a faithful husband - pretty rare in Hollywood

[@fredavis9815]

Those were the days!

[@shizueleighhicks6174]

Delightful!

[@Farrah300]

Of course this was before his starring role as Amos McCoy on the sitcom, "The Real McCoys. He was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series at the Primetime Emmy Awards. He however didn't win. I however thought he should have because he was great in this part.

[@marciacunha1862]

I LOVE THE SERIES "THE REAL MCCOY'S" WITH WALTER BRENNAN AND RICHARD CRENNA. DO YOU HAVE "THIS IS YOUR LIFE" WITH RICHARD CRENNA?

[@burdine26.120]

2:24. No need to start watching until this point where Walter Brennan appears.

[@cammacgregor9354]

Walter was one of my all-time favorite actors. And here 65 years later, Ralph Edwards is still obnoxious

[@jmen4ever257]

I believe Oliver Hardy was so pissed at him he wanted to walk off the show, if not punch him out.

[@happiness1956]

The way he brought Mr Walter Brennan in front of his wife was so unprofessional she had to maneuver herself around Walter to be on his right side

[@ldchappell1]

Walter Brennan was a KKK member and that grandpa voice he used in _The Real McCoys_ and in political recordings was not the way he really talked. That voice came about because of dental problems and he developed it over the years to land movie parts in westerns.. He was born and grew up in Maine and talked the way people from Maine talk. The old man limp was also phony and not necessary. He was such an over the top racist, he raised a big stink when a television script from his last television series _The Guns Of Will Sonnett (1967-1969)_ called for his character to be arrested by a black man. He also accused John Wayne of being a communist.

[@warrenrosen132]

Better KKK than blm.

[@wraithby]

He was born and grew up in Lynn,MA. He had nothing to do with the state of Maine. He has a traditional Boston accent.

[@JamesRichards-mj9kw]

Brennan did not seem to like his family at all. Not one co-star or director appeared for him.

[@stephendowd9931]

Mass. roots.

[@w.p8960]

Didn’t know he served in WW1.

[@BuddyBoy600alt]

Back when AMC reran This is Your Life.

[@warrenrosen132]

Didn't know Walter fought in WW 1. Wonder if he met Sgt. York?

[@jc4evur661]

Was Walter Brennan ever young?

[@TheTerryE]

It's interesting that not a single co-star or director showed up.

[@kimmieanne1]

He hadn’t done The Real McCoy’s yet..

[@Farrah300]

He and his wife were married 54 years until his death in 1974.

[@scotnick59]

Son Mike is a cut-up & daughter Ruth is cute

[@juliet3827]

Glenn Ford looks like a surly character.

[@darlenevicars3988]

Juliet Young An older friend I knew was in ww2 Glen Ford was his superior. Giles always said he Ford cause a lot of death...but he was just doing his job when he said hit the beaches running. I love stories of those times.

[@partycentralsales]

@@darlenevicars3988 Your older friend either misremembered the name of his superior, or was not referring to Glenn Ford, the actor. The Glenn Ford interviewed here never fought in battle during WWII. He served in the Marine Corps, but was never sent over seas.

[@zoperxplex]

Chartered member of the Hollywood chapter of the K.K.K..

[@zoperxplex]

@@johnprovince5304 What has that got to do with the fact he was a racist? Many famous figures throughout history were bigots but that does not mean we should celebrate their prejudices you asshole!

[@zoperxplex]

@@johnprovince5304 Then learn to read English pantywaist!

[@pwmiller5759]

What a difference compared to all the freaks we contend with nowadays….

[@monkey-trial...6578]

Where's Gary Cooper? He was still around until 1960. I feel cheated!

[@gerrypeet4861]

You can tell that he was happy until his family came on. It's clear that he hated his family in this episode. EVERYONE AGREES. Thanks for posting the video so that we could see the TRUE Walter Brennan.

[@johnprovince5304]

I liked him in a lot of movies. Couldnt care less about the National Enquirer stuff.