Tommy Cook is a veteran of over 100 roles, making two films with decorated war hero turned actor, Audie Murphy. In BAD BOY (1949), Murph’s first starring role in a story of juvenile delinquency, Tommy was treated to some money saving advice off-screen. In his second film with Murphy, NIGHT PASSAGE (1957), Murphy co-starred with James Stewart as the gunslinging Yutica Kid with Tommy a fast drawing wanna be bad guy.

Tommy Cook made his starring movie debut at the age of 10 in an action filled Republic serial THE ADVENTURES OF RED RIDER (1940) as Little Beaver to Don “Red” Barry’s title character. The serial is one of the best ever made with legendary director William Witney handling the spectacular action with stuntmen Yakima Canutt and Dave Sharpe and co-director John English. When Republic launched the Red Ryder character in a series of B western features, Tommy was replaced by Bobby Blake but took on the role of “Little Beaver” in the long running Red Ryder radio series. Other youthful character roles in movies followed including solid parts in TARZAN AND THE LEOPARD WOMAN with Johnny Weissmuller and Johnny Sheffield and CRY OF THE CITY as Victor Mature’s younger brother.

In the 50’s Tommy appeared in practically every TV western being produced. He was especially good as the outlaw brother of James Coburn in an episode of HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL. Tommy was also a top ranking tennis player, organizing and producing many celebrity charity events.

Following the interview with Tommy, one of his films will be shown. It’s SONG OF ARIZONA (1946) starring Roy Rogers. Tommy has a terrific role as a conflicted boy whose father is a notorious gangster played by Lyle Talbot and his half-sister is Dale Evans! Talbot gets shot and secretly leaves Tommy stolen money which he uses to help save Gabby’s boy’s ranch. It’s kinda sappy but Tommy does well with the part. The Sons of the Pioneers sing and so do Roy and Dale.

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