His breakthrough role was a second lead in "The Searchers" directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne. His pairing with Wayne is interesting because they each represent very different kinds of masculinity - John Wayne's manliness is stoic, while Jeffrey Hunter's manliness is very emotional. Throughout his career, Jeffrey Hunter would continue to play sensitive male roles, not being afraid to show his feelings or even cry.
Check out his first starring film, "Sailor of the King" (1953). He's wonderful (and often shirtless!). In fact, he shows plenty of skin in most of his films - thank goodness!
Another interesting point of trivia - Jeffrey Hunter was the first choice for the lead on the TV series "Star Trek." In the role of "Captain Pike" he filmed the series pilot. Unfortunately, commitment conflicts prevented his going through with the full series, so the character was renamed "Captain Kirk" and cast with William Shatner instead. However, the original pilot with Jeffrey Hunter was re-edited and became an excellent 2-part episode called "The Menagerie."
Sadly, Jeffrey Hunter had an untimely death at the age of 42. Injured by an explosion while filming in Spain, he then suffered a stroke after returning home. Collapsing, he hit his head, fracturing his skull, and died during subsequent surgery. He was just starting to age into a very handsome middle-aged man, and was branching out in his characterizations, taking on more challenging and off-beat roles. A tremendous loss.
To see an example of Jeffrey Hunter's later work, where he stretches to explore a character's darker side, you can watch this episode of "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour" from 1962 on Hulu.
Oh, Jeffrey Hunter. What a man. I had never been told how he died, which makes this post somewhat sad for me. I was first introduced to him as Captain Pike thanks to my parents being huge Trekkies. But I have seen him in many other films like "The Longest Day" and "King of Kings."
ReplyDeleteThanks for another great post of a hot actor.
-Ace
Thanks, Ace, I'm glad you like him too.
ReplyDeleteHi man, i didn't remember him that much but when i saw the picture of captain Pike i said what the f..k man, it's him cause i'm a big Star Trek fan and i like the episode a lot cause that man was gorgeous. Thank you for putting him in your post my friend.
ReplyDeleteYves
I found out how he died on the internet.
ReplyDeleteHunter suffered a stroke while flying back to the U.S. from Spain after filming Viva America! While recovering at his home, Hunter suffered another stroke, causing him to fall down a flight of stairs, and sustain a skull fracture. He died from a cerebral hemorrhage on May 27, 1969.
Yves
Hi Yves, Jeffrey Hunter was so memorable as Captain Pike, wasn't he?
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for providing further details about his sad passing.
He was so hot in that show and very sexy.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome for the second comments, glad that i can help my friend.
Yves
Oh Mark, you just know how to please your friends. Jeffrey Hunter's picture tells it all with those wonderful perfect eyes!just like your's... that's enough to get my attention!and want to see more of both you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Wally, Flattery will get you anywhere.
ReplyDeleteA great loss of a beautiful guy. He had perfect screen presence and a wonderful smile. I also was not aware how he died, it was such a loss of a natural actor to the silver screen.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous, I'm so glad to meet another Jeffrey Hunter fan!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, his early death was a huge and sad loss.