Curley Witzel

Born - Jan 1, 1902   |   Died - Jan 1, 1987   |  

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Biography by AllMovie

The most elusive of Universal's silent Western stars, Curley Witzel (born Ervin Faye Witzel) was discovered on the rodeo circuit by established second-string star Wally Wales, who recommended the Montana cowboy give movies a try. Witzel was signed by Universal, the busiest studio in town, and starred in four two-reel Westerns in 1926. Enjoying the usual Universal professionalism, the Witzel shorts also benefited from good leading ladies such as blond Nancy Brinckman and the veteran Alma Rayford. But two-reelers paid less than feature films, and when Witzel demanded a raise, "Uncle" Carl Laemmle fired him on the spot. According to Witzel's daughter, Betty, a fight broke out during which Curley further antagonized the Yiddish-accented mogul by suggesting that he speak understandable English. Leaving Universal under a cloud, Witzel returned to the rodeo world and eventually became a rancher in Wyoming. He never made another film.