ELLIOTT, WILD BILL

(1903–1965)

   Born Gordon Nance in Missouri, Bill Elliott was associated with the character of Wild Bill Hickok for most of his career, playing the role in a 15-chapter serial, a feature film, and a series of budget films for Columbia with costar Tex Ritter. Elliott’s Hickok character had the reputation of being a level head with the fastest gun, and his very name spread fear among the lawless. His trademark line was “I am a peaceable man” and his horse was Sonny. After his film career, Elliott became a spokesman for Viceroy cigarettes. He died of lung cancer in 1965.