As a boy I grew up at the movies watching Ben Johnson and the “ Man” John Wayne...it didn’t get any better than that...👍

Ben Johnson was a cowboys' cowboy, an honorable man, and keeper of the Cowboy Code. He's still highly praised and sorely missed.

While working with him on a movie in 1983, we had a production break because of weather. During the sudden storm we both sought refuge under the same cover. We were having a good conversation. On set we often have rope handy to tie things down that might blow away or get knocked over. I was an electric and not a grip but had a hank of rope handy with me. Son asked to see it and proceeded to entertain me with rope tricks; one of which was to whip a knot into the trailing end using only wrist action of the hand holding it. Then he showed me how to knot a lariat for roping and taught me how to properly throw the loop. It was one of those special moments in the business you never forget. I knew him only as an actor and former wrangler. I didn't know then I was being mentored as a cowboy by a world champion steer roper. There were no smart phones at the time so I have no photos but I wish I did, but then I was never the type to impose and ask either. I miss him, his type, and I miss the business.

Ben was a friend of my wife's family, and what a great guy. His warmth, humor and infectious laugh made him a welcome diversion any time he graced the household. His presence is missed.

The best description of Ben Johnson was when he said he was more proud of his World Championship Roping over his academy award! Only a real cowboy could say something that profound.

Need more Ben "Son" Johnson's in this world. Tough and principled.

Of all the actors playing cowboys, this man didn't have to act he was the real deal. He was refreshingly moral, led his life in the true "cowboy way" and even sounded like a cowboy when he spoke. I always liked him. Thank you for your video.

I really enjoyed this. I worked on 2 movies with Ben Johnson (in '74 and '80) and I appreciate the detail, and the respect you showed him. He was a true gentleman and a good soul. During our downtime at the small motel, all of the cast and crew were staying in, Oscar-winner Ben would fire up a barbeque by the pool and cook burgers and steaks for everyone. He told me that, in the scene where Alan Ladd punches him through the saloon doors in SHANE, Ben knocked himself cold throwing himself backward through the doors. He was a kind soul who had time for everyone and countless stories of his years in Hollywood. Thanks for the doc.

He seemed so straight forward and honest that when I saw your documentary, I hoped to learn that he was a good man. He was a good man first, and then after that a good husband, cowboy, and actor. His comment that he was best at playing Ben Johnson was perfect - transparent honesty. Thank you for this documentary about a very admirable man.

Ben Johnson's character showed through on the small and big screen. He came across, at least to me, as a true gentleman and real cowboy and a real man. He is the man most of us wish we could always be. Your piece on him is a real tribute to him, thank you.

He was one of the all time best cowboy actors there ever was, and a true Man that lived with a set of morals throughout his entire life. R.I.P. and God bless.

The last movie I remember seeing Ben Johnson in was Red Dawn. Definitely a class act. Humble, kind and a man of principles and morals that were non negotiable. Definitely one of my all-time favorite actors.

A truly beautiful biography!! My mom meet Ben at a rodeo one time & what I remember her saying is he was a tall, wonderful gentleman. They don’t make men like Ben anymore!! Thank you, Mr Skinner!! ❤❤❤

Pity we don't have more men such as Ben 'Son' Johnson in 2019. A great man.

Loved this man hooked on westerns all my life,and thats 70 years,if anyone stood for morality this man did. Thanks Jerry from Alan UK.

Exceptional biography, Mr. Skinner. Ben Johnson has long been one of my favorite character actors (together with Harry Carey, Jr., and only 2 or 3 others). Ben Johnson was and shall always be one of my role models on the kind of human being and friend I wish to be to those close to me. You did a wonderful job with this biography. Thank you very much, Mr. Skinner!

As the many others that have commented on here, Ben Johnson was a favorite western actor of mine. I moved to Mesa, AZ in 1984 and became aware that he lived in Mesa and eventually learned that he frequented a little downtown Mesa bar on Country Club Dr. only a few blocks from where I worked. I regret that I never made the effort to try to catch him there, and then learned of his passing, and the opportunity was gone forever. My loss, would have loved to shock his hand and expressed my gratitude to him. Rest In Peace, Ben "Son" Johnson, you were one of a kind and missed by all of us cowboy (wannabees) western fans. God Bless You...….

One Eyed Jacks has been one of my favorite westerns since I first saw it at the Ilex theater in Quitman, GA in 1961. Ben Johnson, Brando, Karl Malden, Katy Jurado and Slim Pickens. I still watch it from time to time. Johnson had the some of the best lines in the movie: "Maybe so, but I wouldn't want to lose me a handful of brains tryin' to find out."

Thanks for telling this story of Ben Johnson's life. I've always loved the sound of his voice and twinkle in his eyes.

Jerry, you have, without a doubt, the best video biographies on the Internet or anywhere else. The info you choose to include is always informative and sometimes even poignant. Well done, Sir, very well done. Again!!

I met Mr. Johnson in Omaha at the Cafe Dicopia. I was the bartender, the restaurant was full so he and his companion sat the the counter and ate dinner. They were waiting for a ring from Warren Buffett's jewrey store (Borsheims) so they ate dinner. It was a real honor to meet him. He was indeed a nice man. RIP.

Ben Johnson, A man of true Integrity. May he rest in peace.

Nobody EVER had more charisma on screen. .... I have loved Ben Johnson like a missing Grandpa since I was a little wee kid. ... very nice to learn about his life. ... You're a Priceless Treasure Jerry Skinnner. .... Your Bios are valuable Historical Documents.

Thanks for making my day Jerry. I agree... Ben Johnson was a "True Gentleman Cowboy". They don't have actors like him today.

He was an actual cowboy stumbled into Hollywood.I know The Duke had nothing but respect for him.

They don't get tougher than this people, a true legend.

"Everybody in town is a better actor than I am. But no one can play Ben Johnson as well as I do." He didn't need to act, he was the real deal.

I always liked Ben Johnson, now I know why because of what you said in this video. To me his eyes always shone with a genuine caring nature. Thank you for posting. Very nice.

One of the true greats of westerns! The movies with Wayne and him as his sidekick were the best and most of the time Ben stole the scenes. He was a class act!

I'm kind of sad that Ben and Carol had no children, but I'm very happy that they had a happy life together.

I always liked the westerns that had Ben Johnson or John Wayne in them then to have both of them in the same movie was a real bonus. Ben was a good man as most real cowboys are, my dad is a real cowboy and at 91 is still a good man. I always looked up to the good ones and knowing Ben's story explains why. Thanks for putting this story out Jerry Skinner.

"A heart is not measured by how much you love, but by how much others love you" Wizard to the tin man. Seems appropriate here.

Thank you for this wonderful testimony and documentary to Ben Johnson’s life and career. I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Mr. Johnson and having him sign my Wild Bunch poster. He was guest of honor in Oologah OK for the commemoration of the Will Rogers statue in the city square back in August 1995. I met him through my X mother in law who was President of the Oologah historical society. He visited with us and I remember him telling me he liked his Melvin Purvis character in Dillinger more than Tector Gorch his character in The Wild Bunch. He felt it was too violent. So glad I had the honor of spending some time with him. He was a gentle giant and a great cowboy and actor.

Worked on his cousin's ranch in Texas. Heard a few stories about him. Was always a gentleman and a heck of a top hand.

Thank you for another outstanding video, Mr. Skinner. Ben Johnson has always been one of my favorite celebrities. Hopefully, a new generation will see your tribute to him and see what a "REAL" man is.

Another terrific documentary Jerry! I’ve been a huge fan of all the actors John Ford used and brought to us. What a wonderful man Ben ‘Son’ Johnson obviously was.

I'm glad you did this one Jerry, Ben always added a sense of realism to any western film in which he appeared ... a nice tribute

Being raised on Westerns,I had much respect for Ben Johnson.....who was one of the last of a dying breed.A real cowboy and a man with principles.R.I.P. Ben....gone but definitely not forgotten.

I felt he was a friend when I first seen him. Most respected man and cowboy I know.

It's amazing how you were able to show Son's childhood pictures as well as the place where he grew up in this video.

He was a wonderful man. And American. We need more like him. And more cowboys.

Truly fantastic film about one of my all time favorite actors. " You ain't drinking that in here sodbuster." SHANE!!!

Ben Johnson was one of my all time favorite actors. Love every movie he ever played in... I never did get to meet him but plan on visiting his grave soon to pay my respects...

Ben "Son" Johnson was always one of my favorite western stars. He was the best of a few who didn't have to 'act' like a cowboy. He 'was' one. One of my favorite, but most poignant of his roles was the 'old timer' in "Bite the Bullet" with Gene Hackman, James Coburn, Candace Bergen, and Jan Michael Vincent, among others. The comment in response to Jan Michael Vincent's snarky, "I'd rather be in Hell than Oklahoma" was typical of his sardonic sense of humor. He said, "Every man to his own country" nuff said punk, go to bed.....

Ben Johson was also multi-talent in OTHER roles, and brought a VERY gritty realism to the original RED DAWN!

I did not watch many westerns, but Ben Johnson stood out as one of my favorite actors, especially in "The Wild Bunch." Thank you for your work on this great story.

I love it Jerry when you get to do a profile on a really decent human being. Your style of delivery so fits a really good man. Thank you.

Thank you Mr Skinner for this video of one of my heroes and fellow Oklahomans , there are still some very good cowboys roaming the tall grass prairies but none like Mr Johnson . What a treasure .

The GREATEST Real Life Horseman in Hollywood History PERIOD!

I always liked this actor. Always was happy to see him in a film cast. Thank you.

May God Bless You, Jerry! So many thanks for the story of Ben Johnson. One of my favorite Cowboys, May God Bless You!

I was called to pick him up from the hospital when he passed away. When I was told who I was picking up I just couldn’t believe it as I had grown up watching Ben Johnson westerns on tv with my dad when I was a kid. I sure wish I could have met him when he was still alive.

Thank you, Jerry. Ben was one of my role models growing up. A true Gentleman INDEED.

I always liked watching Ben Johnson & John Wayne in the westerns ! Many memories growing up watching them together ! Thanks to them & Clint Eastwood for those westerns ! 👍👍

Thank you Jerry for this, l always liked Ben Johnson, you could tell that he was a special individual. 🕊🥀🎚🙏

Another great job Jerry! I wish their were more men like Ben Son Johnson. A Class act! Thanks for the great bio on this good man.

Thanks so much Jerry for the excellent documentary. I've always loved Ben "Son" Johnson. Good to hear him and John Wayne were so close. And I respect him even more for telling John Ford to go to hell.

Jerry Skinner, you have a way to describe these people that quite simply no one could possibly do. Thank you for all your video's. I've watched many and thoroughly enjoyed them. BJ was a great fellow that was instantly recognized. Thank You Jerry.

If I saw a movie had Ben Johnson in it I figured it was worth watching. Can't recall ever being disappointed. His characters always had that combination of humor, sage advice, backbone, and a twinkle of mischief in his eye. For someone who was most always a support character I think he was a big part of anything he was in and made the movie.

Great memorial, thanks. He's always been one of my favorite western actors, because of his authenticity.

Just a Great account of the history of the Great Westerns. This video brought back many pleasant memories. Thank you Jerry very much for your work in this video.

Cant get enough of this channel. A diamond in the rough. Thanks Mr. Skinner.

Hey Jerry, thank you for this beautiful testament to a great actor and humanitarian. I always enjoyed watching Ben Johnson in his movies; he never failed to shine in his role! :-)

Ben's always been my idol. He was the real thing!! Always like the movies he was in.🤠

Impeccable presentation Jerry, easily the best on You Tube, along with all your presentations. I followed 'Son' as a boy, charging around the town on imaginary horses.At school, Son was the man!.....we knew then he was the best horseman around....and........his voice epitomized the Old West like no other........except yours of course! Proper job, as we say in Cornwall.

Ben Johnsons morals and fine character are still alive and well throughout Oklahoma

Love your videos! Met Ben once while my brother was filling up his pickup truck in West Sacramento Ca. around 1973 or 1974. Seemed like a very nice guy.

This is one of the actors I loved and admired most. Didn't know why until viewing this vid. His personality carried away from the screen into the audience, and was heartfelt in all of us.

Jerry, Ben Johnson was one of my mother's favorite actors, she really liked his calm manner. If Johnson had been a musician instead of an actor, he'd have been a famous "studio player" as he played a million second parts behind the likes of John Wayne and others! I've seen Johnson in so many roles over the years, a great man for sure! I wish Hollywood made movies like some of these classic Westerns! Thanks for the video, great as always!

Ben Johnson was awesome

I'd always thought Ben was the real thing, a cowboy. Never knew for sure though. Now I do. Thanks for the memories.

My parents lived on the reservation in Pawhuska and knew Ben Johnson. The rodeo arena is named after Ben Johnson.

So interesting, professional & respectful as usual! Thank you Jerry for another winning video!

He was a stalwart of the better Westerns. Great performance in George Stevens' Shane with Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur , Van Heflin, Jack Palance, Brandon De Wilde, Emile Meyer, Elisha Cook Jnr. Edgar Buchanan. Arguably the best Western ever made.

Thank you Jerry for sharing this wonderful memory of Ben Johnson who was a man with integrity. I knew he was the man I always thought him to be was true. Profanity and nudity has no talent, it's hard to find these days.

Guys at work had RED DAWN on...and I pointed to Ben Johnson and said, He was in a lot of cowboy movies. They were unawares. Sad. I hope this younger generation discovers older movies.....

I love your videos! This one is very special .. a wonderful glimpse of an America seemingly gone by...Ben ‘Son’ Johnson. Such class.

Very well done Mr Skinner . Ben Johnson was a favorite actor of mine. A true gentleman and a dang good cowboy. Your story telling is done in fine fashion sir. Thank you for the effort you put into making this and all the other stories you produce. You too are a fine gentleman.

A real gentleman, and actor. He was an Okie, and back then they were raised to give respect. If you couldn't mind, a trip around the barn put you in the right mind real soon. Now they call it child abuse, and they wonder what happened to kids who turn out so bad. Loved Ben in what ever he played in, a kind gentle soul. Thank you Jerry God Bless. By the way, I'm an Okie and proud of it.

an amazing story about a truly amazing legend and hero. When I hear "The Last Cowboy Song" I think of men like Ben Johnson and other great cowboy legends.

Well done Mr. Skinner. If not for you I fear much history would be lost forever.

I have watched Ben Johnson in many, many movies over the years. He was a fine actor, cowboy and man. RIP Ben.

I was a policeman in Prescott, AZ when they filmed JR Bonner. I got to meet Ben, and got permission from the Chief, to take him on patrol in my patrol car. My first wife was of the movie crowd and they knew many of the same people, we had him home to dinner. As so many have stated he was a "Gentleman" you don't see many of his class these days.My time with him is one of my most cherished memories. Over the years in Prescott I met many movie Stars and he was the best. McQueen was stuck on himself. Gabby

Yay a story from Jerry Skinner !! Made my day :)

"Will Penny" was a far under appreciated Western Movie. It was excellent, but never got the credit it deserved. One of my all time favorites.

I have loved watching Ben Johnson all these years from a boy to a sixty year old. a fine man and actor as usual your brilliant account is stunning thanks Jerry. Regards. From an Englishman

I really enjoyed hearing about Ben Son Johnson. I liked him a lot as an actor.

I always thought of him as the 'Classic Cowboy'... He lived a life anyone would be proud to own.....

I always loved this guy as an actor.. I had no idea where he was from. He was from the same part of Oklahoma that my dad’s family was from. It’s amazing how many actors and musicians are from that part of the country...

Thank you! High regards to this video and the life of Ben Son Johnson.

One of the most genuine and down to earth men that I ever met. I was walking through the western store at Sam’s Town in Las Vegas in 1994 or 95, while I was stationed at Nellis AFB. I’m walking along looking for shirts and Ben was sitting at a table, no crowds around, he struck up a conversation with me. We sat and just shot the breeze for about 30 minutes. So glad I got to meet him.

Like all great actors Mr Johnson had that natural ability to woo you into buying into his character. Thank you Ben jr. for allowing this fan to ride alongside you in so many of those movies

*Jerry I love your videos Ben Johnson. A Class act! Thanks for the great bio on this good man.... another great job, thanks!*

Hi, Jerry. I agree, Ben "Son" Johnson was a true gentleman cowboy. Thank you so much for everything you have done for this unique channel by telling us wonderful stories from olden times.

What an excellent tribute to a fine gentleman. I saw most of the pictures you mentioned. I could sense that he was a true gentleman and cowboy! I'm glad he received the recognition he deserved.

The last picture show was amazing! Thanks Son ❤️

Awesome!!! Thanks for this video. He will always be an inspiration to us youngsters in our 60's and 70's. JJ

Another Masterpiece Jerry. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.

What an amazing man. And in over 300 films? Wow, those days are long gone. Today’s actors are lucky to do 2-3 films a year.

That is an awesome tribute to a wonderful man. Thank you!