Celebrity Info
While he was studying at Brown University in Rhode Island, Don Haggerty wasn’t just another student—he stood out as a star athlete, showing the kind of determination and physical presence that would shape his future. After college, Don Haggerty served in the United States military, further honing the rugged discipline that became one of his trademarks. That same tough, athletic demeanor eventually paved the way for a successful career in Hollywood, where Don Haggerty often portrayed strong, no-nonsense characters like rough-edged cowboys, cold-blooded mob enforcers, and authoritative lawmen such as sheriffs and soldiers.
Before making his official mark on screen, Don Haggerty cut his teeth in theater productions and took on a number of uncredited film roles—small steps that led to his big break. In 1947, Don Haggerty made his formal film debut playing Deputy Tom Emery in the western “Mystery Range,” a role that showcased his natural fit for frontier justice and action-packed storytelling. As a freelance actor, Don Haggerty worked across the board, appearing in productions from nearly every major studio in Hollywood during that era.
His filmography includes notable titles such as the John Wayne-led war epic “Sands of Iwo Jima” (1949), where Don Haggerty brought depth to the battlefield drama, and John Huston’s acclaimed film noir “The Asphalt Jungle” (1950), which highlighted his ability to blend into intense, atmospheric crime narratives. In 1957, Don Haggerty earned top billing in the crime drama “Chain of Evidence,” sharing the spotlight with Bill Elliott and Jimmy Lydon—an achievement that underscored his rising status in the industry.
Don Haggerty also made a smooth transition to television. His first TV role came in 1949 on the beloved western series “The Lone Ranger,” where he played a member of a gang scheming to steal a young man’s inheritance—a fitting start for an actor so often cast as the morally complex antagonist or steadfast hero. From 1955 to 1961, Don Haggerty enjoyed a recurring role as Marsh Murdock, the principled editor of the “Wichita Eagle” newspaper, in the popular series “The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp.” This steady role allowed Don Haggerty to connect with audiences week after week, solidifying his place in American television history.
Don Haggerty remained active in both film and television for decades, consistently delivering reliable, grounded performances. His final appearance came in 1981 with the TV movie “California Gold Rush,” marking the end of a long and varied career defined by resilience, versatility, and that unmistakable presence that only someone like Don Haggerty could bring to the screen.
When it comes to Don Haggerty’s filmography, one standout in terms of critical acclaim is The Asphalt Jungle from 1950—it’s widely regarded as Don Haggerty’s highest rated movie. Over the course of his career, Don Haggerty appeared in a variety of films, but this classic crime drama really solidified his presence on screen. On the other end of the spectrum, Don Haggerty’s lowest rated film tends to be The Killers, released in 1964. While the movie had its moments, it didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences or critics, making it a less celebrated entry in Don Haggerty’s body of work. Overall, Don Haggerty’s performances spanned different eras and genres, but these two titles—The Asphalt Jungle and The Killers—mark the high and low points in terms of ratings.
28
Philippines
29
