Earl Holliman’s journey to Hollywood is a remarkable tale of ambition and determination. In 1943, at just 14 years old, Holliman set his sights on becoming a movie star, a dream he pursued relentlessly.
Raised in the small towns of Oil City and Mooringsport, Louisiana—not Shreveport, as often reported—Holliman embarked on a daring adventure to Hollywood. His journey was far from straightforward. First, he visited relatives in Camden, Arkansas, then caught a bus to Texarkana, and from there, hitched a ride to Los Angeles.
Holliman had saved up some money from working the night shift at a diner near Barksdale Air Force Base and as a theater usher. A serviceman he met at the diner even tipped him off about a place to stay, though it was in El Monte, California, quite a distance from Hollywood. Reflecting on the risks he took, Holliman admits that such a journey would be unwise in today’s world.
A Hollywood Struggle and Navy Service
Holliman’s first attempt to break into Hollywood wasn’t successful, so he briefly returned home before deciding to enlist in the Navy. However, his dream of stardom never faded. After his service, he returned to Los Angeles, where he attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and studied at the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse.
Breakthrough and Success
Holliman’s perseverance eventually paid off. He built an impressive career, starring in iconic films like Giant (1956), Forbidden Planet, The Rainmaker, and The Sons of Katie Elder. On television, he earned recognition for his roles in Police Woman alongside Angie Dickinson and The Thorn Birds with Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward.
He fondly recalls his early days in Hollywood, particularly his first morning there. Wearing dark glasses and a short-sleeved silk shirt, he strolled in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, hoping someone might mistake him for a star. It was a moment filled with youthful innocence and hope.
Now, at the age of 95, Holliman reflects on a career that spanned decades. You can see how he looks today in the image below:
