William Boyd (1895-1972) was an actor known for his roles in western films. Originally from Ohio, he moved to California to find work after the death of his father. He broke into the film industry as an extra, and built his fame over the 1920s. In 1935, he received the role for which he is best known: Hopalong Cassidy. This cowboy character became a huge hit, 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. He donated some of his profits to children's hospitals and homes. Boyd married actress Grace Bradley in 1937. Boyd continued to work in the television industry into the 1950s.
Additional content for this collection can be found in the "Inventory for collection."
Young fan presenting Hopalong Cassidy's horse Topper with a birthday cake, ca. 1945
Hopalong Cassidy astride his horse Topper, ca. 1945
Portrait of Hopalong Cassidy, ca. 1945
Portrait of Hopalong Cassidy with hands on his gun holsters, ca. 1945
Autographed photograph of Hopalong Cassidy with his horse Topper, 1943
Hopalong Cassidy and Topper with two child fans wearing western clothes with Hopalong Cassidy insignia, ca. 1945
Hopalong Cassidy posing with his gun and saddle, ca. 1945
Hopalong Cassidy holding up a glass of milk, ca. 1950
Boyd advertised many products, including milk.
Hopalong Cassidy with boxes of Anderson Ice Cream, ca. 1950
Boyd is seen holding cartons of ice cream branded with his photograph and labeled "Hoppy's Favorite Ice Cream."
Hopalong Cassidy with three fans and a model TWA Airlines plane, ca. 1950
William Boyd posing with group of children from AAA School Safety Patrols, ca. 1950
AAA School Safety Patrols program began in 1920 as a way to help children learn traffic responsibilities.
Hopalong Cassidy with children who formed the "Hoppy's Favorite Milk" baseball team, ca. 1950
Billboard advertising Butter-Nut enriched bread with the slogan "Ride Along with Hopalong," ca 1950
Hopalong Cassidy and Topper on a film set, ca. 1950
William Body and others taking a break on a film set, ca. 1950
William Body and his wife Grace Bradley Boyd at their home, ca. 1950
Hopalong Cassidy and Topper with fans looking on, some in western attire
Hopalong Cassidy astride Topper at a Wichita, Kansas, parade, ca. 1950
Behind the scenes at a Hopalong Cassidy film set, ca. 1950
William Boyd serving cake to the cast and crew during a film shoot, ca. 1950
Hopalong Cassidy with a young fan pointing his toy guns, ca. 1950
Photograph labeled "Git 'em up, Podner."