He was a much-loved character actor, truly omnipresent on the silver screen, especially in Westerns, where his presence became a familiar and cherished part of the genre for over six decades. Taylor started out in vaudeville, showcasing his musical talents on the harmonica and xylophone—skills that would later play a key role in shaping his early film career. In fact, it was his ability with the xylophone that landed him his debut role as Ed Carmichael, a delightfully untalented musician, in Frank Capra’s lively adaptation of the George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart farce, You Can’t Take It With You (1938). That same year, audiences could also catch a glimpse of Taylor in the charming Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers musical Carefree (1938), though it wouldn’t be long before he traded ballrooms for open plains.
Taylor quickly found his footing in the world of Westerns, beginning with The Taming of the West (1939), followed by The Man from Tumbleweeds (1940), Sagebrush Heroes (1944), and a long string of similar titles throughout the 1940s. Over time, Taylor emerged as one of the standout performers in quality “B” Westerns, bringing humor, heart, and authenticity to every role. He became best known as the comic sidekick—first alongside Bill Elliott, then teaming up with Charles Starrett, and later joining forces with Russell Hayden. Through it all, Taylor remained a dependable and endearing presence, a true fixture whose contributions helped define an era of American cinema. And through the years, Taylor continued to show why he was not just a supporting player, but a beloved figure in his own right.
When it comes to Dub Taylor’s filmography, one standout in terms of critical acclaim is A Star Is Born from 1954—that’s widely considered his highest rated movie. Over the years, fans and critics alike have pointed to this classic as a highlight in Dub Taylor’s career. On the other end of the spectrum, Dub Taylor appeared in Bandolero! back in 1968, which ended up being his lowest rated film. While Dub Taylor brought his signature charm to every role, Dub Taylor’s performance in that Western didn’t quite resonate the same way with audiences or reviewers. Still, it’s interesting to look at the range—from the emotional depth of A Star Is Born to the more forgettable moments in Bandolero!—and see how Dub Taylor navigated different genres throughout his time in Hollywood.