William Boyd, 1895-1972

Boyd was an actor made famous through his portrayal of the cowboy character Hopalong Cassidy on film, radio and television. Hopalong first appeared in films in 1934, on television in 1949, and on radio and in comics in 1950. The character became enourmously popular and Boyd acquired all rights to the Hopalong character in 1948. He consolidated all Hopalong enterprises and began a highly profitable business through promotion of the character. Boyd donated some of his profits to childrens hospitals and homes. Boyd married actress Grace Bradley in 1937. He retired in 1953.