Each of Nevada’s cities has its own unique story, statistics, and fun facts. Some places that were once small towns are now bustling cities, while there are once thriving (if sometimes short-lived) small towns that have become virtual ghost towns. I think you’ll agree that learning about the history that makes a place unique and the various “claims to fame” that exist in that state can be incredibly interesting. Take these old-timers from small towns in Nevada, for example.
1.Doris Dawson
Doris Dawson was a silent film actress born in Goldfield, Nevada in 1905 when the city was booming. Her first film role was in The Arizona Night in 1927. Over the course of about two years, she starred in at least 13 other silent films, including Broadway Scandals. When talkies began production, Dawson’s career suffered because she did not seem to have a pleasant voice. She made one final film, The Silver Streak, in 1934 before retiring at the age of 29.
2.Brad Dexter
Brad Dexter was born Boris Michel Soso in 1917, also in the town of Goldfield. He was an actor and film producer best known for his western and hardcore roles, including his most famous role in the 1960 film The Magnificent Seven, which also starred Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen and James Coburn. Dexter produced the famous film Lady Sings the Blues, was briefly married to singer Peggy Lee, was friends with Marilyn Monroe and once saved Frank Sinatra’s life.
3. Hobart Cavanaugh
Stage and screen actor Hobart Cavanaugh was born in Virginia City in 1886. He worked in vaudeville, appeared in several Broadway musicals and acted in over 180 films during his lifetime. He appeared in the 1935 version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 1939’s Never Say Die, and as Tim Gross in the 1950 film Stella, his final film role.
4. Ben Alexander
Nicholas Benton “Ben” Alexander III. was known for his role as Officer Frank Smith on the radio, television and film series Dragnet. Born in Goldfield in 1911, Alexander began acting as a child. He received recognition for his work in the classic WWI film The West, and years later he played Sergeant Dan Briggs on ABC’s weekly television series Felony Squad. Alexander also starred in a 1966 episode of the Batman television series. Overall, he acted in over 80 films.
5.Carrie Ward Clark
Carri Clark Ward was born in Virginia City in 1862 and was a well-known actress of the silent film era. She shared the screen with many other well-known stars and appeared in over 60 films by 1925. She married actor and comedian James Ward and died in Hollywood, California in 1926.
6. Downwells
Best known for her role as MaryAnn Summers on the television series Gilligan’s Island, Dawn Wells has had a long and varied acting career. She was born in Reno in 1938, back when “the biggest little city on earth” was still a rural town full of horse farms and interestingly known as the “divorce capital of the world.” In addition to acting, Wells was crowned Miss Nevada in 1959 and represented Nevada in the Miss America pageant in 1960.
These small-town Nevada residents were once household names and known for their acting. Have you heard from everyone? Did you know they were from the Silver State? We’d love to hear from other celebrities hailing from this state’s small towns. Speaking of which, check out these 12 charming small towns that are worth visiting.
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