1. Overview
Finis Dean Smith (1932-2023) was an American athlete, stuntman, and actor known for his diverse career spanning multiple fields. He achieved an Olympic gold medal as a track and field athlete in the 4 × 100 metres relay at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki. Following his athletic pursuits, Smith briefly played professional American football before embarking on a successful career as a professional rodeo cowboy. He then transitioned into Hollywood, where he became a prominent stuntman and actor, particularly recognized for his work in numerous Western films and television series, showcasing remarkable longevity in the entertainment industry.
2. Early life and education
Finis Dean Smith was born on January 15, 1932, in Breckenridge, Texas. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a member of the Longhorn track team and the Silver Spurs honorary service organization.
3. Sports career
Dean Smith pursued a multifaceted athletic career, excelling in track and field, professional football, and rodeo.
3.1. Track and field athlete
Smith was a distinguished sprinter. In 1952, he won the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) championships in the 100 metres. During his time on the Longhorn track team, Smith ran a 100-yard dash in 9.4 seconds, which was at the time only one-tenth of a second off the world record. He represented the United States at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland. In the 100 metres event, he finished fourth with a time of 10.84 seconds (electric timing) or 10.4 seconds (manual timing). Smith also ran the leadoff leg for the American 4 × 100 metres relay team. The team won the gold medal, finishing ahead of the Soviet Union with a time of 40.26 seconds (electric timing) or 40.1 seconds (manual timing), after passing through the heats and semifinals in first place.
3.2. Professional football player
After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, Smith briefly played professional American football. He was on the rosters of two National Football League (NFL) teams, the Los Angeles Rams and the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, he did not appear in any regular season games for either team.
3.3. Rodeo career
Following his track and field and brief football career, Smith became involved in rodeo. He competed as an amateur and later as a professional rodeo cowboy. His primary events included bareback bronc riding and calf roping, in both of which he won championships. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) recognized his contributions by making him an honorary member. In May 1997, Smith also participated in the team roping event at Reba McEntire's Pro Celebrity Rodeo. For his achievements in rodeo, he was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2006 and the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum and Hall of Fame in 2009. In 1997, he was honored with the title of "All American Cowboy."
4. Hollywood career
Dean Smith transitioned from sports to a successful career in Hollywood, primarily as a stuntman and actor in numerous Western films and television series. He performed stunts and appeared in many notable Westerns, including The Alamo (1960), The Comancheros (1961), How The West Was Won (1962), McLintock! (1963), Rio Conchos (1964), Big Jake, El Dorado (1966), and Rio Lobo. Many of these films starred John Wayne. Smith also made appearances in popular Western television shows such as Tales of Wells Fargo, Maverick, Gunsmoke, Lawman, Have Gun Will Travel, The Iron Horse, and Walker, Texas Ranger.
Among his most impressive stunts, as noted by Variety (magazine), was a fall from a two-story building into a hay wagon in the 1963 film McLintock!, which also starred Maureen O'Hara. Smith's talent caught the attention of renowned director John Ford while working on the 1958 film Auntie Mame, which led to him being featured in many of Ford's subsequent films.
5. Awards and honors
Dean Smith received numerous accolades for his contributions to both sports and the entertainment industry.
- In 2006, he was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame.
- In 2009, he was inducted into the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum and Hall of Fame.
- He is also a member of the Texas Track and Field Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
- Smith is a member of the Hollywood Stuntman's Hall of Fame.
- In 1997, he was named "All American Cowboy."
- In 1998, he was awarded a Golden Boot Award, which recognizes actors, directors, and stunt performers who have made significant contributions to the genre of Western films.
- In 2007, he received the Silver Spur Award for his significant contributions as a stuntman in the film business.
6. Personal life
Dean Smith died on June 24, 2023, at the age of 91.
7. Competition record
| Representing United States | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Competition | Location | Event | Rank | Time |
| 1952 | 1952 Summer Olympics | Helsinki, Finland | 100 m | 4th | 10.84s (electric) / 10.4s (manual) |
| 1952 | 1952 Summer Olympics | Helsinki, Finland | 4 × 100 m relay | 1st | 40.26s (electric) / 40.1s (manual) |