ROGERS, WILL

William Penn Adair Rogers (November 4, 1879–August 15, 1935) was known worldwide as a humorist, philosopher, writer, actor, and stage performer. Will Rogers was at the height of his popularity in 1935 when he died tragically in an airplane crash in Alaska.

Born in Indian Territory near present-day Oologah, Oklahoma, Rogers was the only son of well-to-do parents who were both part Cherokee. He attended schools in Indian Territory and Missouri, but never graduated from high school. After a brief time in Texas, he returned home, managed the family ranch, and competed in roping contests. After traveling around the world, part of the time performing as a roper and rider, Rogers took his act to the Saint Louis World's Fair in 1904. Later that year, he appeared for the first time in vaudeville, launching a stage career that would include several seasons with the Ziegfeld Follies. An occasional contributor to newspapers by 1922, he started a syndicated weekly column that year and a daily column four years later, both eventually reaching millions of readers. He also starred in films—both silents and talkies—and on radio.

By 1929 Rogers had become one of the most visible, quoted, and recognizable figures in the country. He had taken advantage of almost every available media form and had succeeded at most. His commentary, although often pointed, rarely attacked. As a humorist he was both jokester and philosopher.

The Depression of the 1930s caused Rogers to turn more serious. He had long before gibed at the excesses he perceived in American society; therefore his initial reaction in the early months following the stock market crash reflected a hope for a return to normality. As the Depression deepened, however, Rogers criticized the refusal of the federal government to provide direct relief and in January 1931 he even proposed large-scale public works funded by increased taxation of the wealthy.

At the same time Rogers became directly involved in relief efforts. In early 1931 he voluntarily undertook a benefit tour of several agriculturally depressed states and raised significant funds for Red Cross relief programs. Rogers, a millionaire, donated to other organized appeals and to personal situations, and he urged the public to respond similarly.

Not surprisingly, he welcomed the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt and the promise of decisive action. He chose to interpret in the president's moves in the early days of his administration a return of confidence. Despite continued hardship in the country, Rogers's writings and public remarks took on a lighter, more positive tone from the beginning of Roosevelt's presidency in March 1933. From then until his death Rogers conveyed an optimistic message, even in his films, that good times would return, a point of view that critics on the left considered unrealistic. As evidenced by his rising popularity, however, the public seemed to agree with Rogers or, at least, to find comfort in his humor.

Rogers died with aviator Wiley Post in a plane crash at Point Barrow, Alaska, on August 15, 1935. He was survived by his wife, Betty, and three children.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bergman, Andrew. We're in the Money: Depression America and Its Films. 1972.

Brown, William Richard. Imagemaker: Will Rogers and the American Dream. 1970.

Carter, Joseph H. Never Met a Man I Didn't Like: The Life and Writings of Will Rogers. 1991.

Collins, Reba. "Will Rogers: Writer and Journalist." Ed.D. diss., Oklahoma State University, 1967.

Croy, Homer. Our Will Rogers. 1953.

Gragert, Steven K., ed. Will Rogers' Weekly Articles, Vols. 4–6. 1981–1982.

Gragert, Steven K., ed. Radio Broadcasts of Will Rogers. 1983.

Rogers, Betty. Will Rogers: His Wife's Story. 1941. Reprint, 1979.

Rogers, Will. Papers. Will Rogers Memorial, Claremore, OK.

Rollins, Peter C., director. Will Rogers' 1920s: A Cowboy's Guide to the Times. 1976.

Rollins, Peter C. Will Rogers: A Bio-Bibliography. 1984.

Smallwood, James, and Steven K. Gragert, eds. Will Rogers' Daily Telegrams, 4 vols. 1978–1979.

Wertheim, Arthur F., and Barbara Bair, eds. The Papers of Will Rogers, 3 vols. 1996–2001.

Yagoda, Ben. Will Rogers: A Biography. 1993.