William Boyd (1895-1972) was an actor known for his roles in western films. Originally from Ohio, he moved to California to find work after the death of his father. He broke into the film industry as an extra, and built his fame over the 1920s. In 1935, he received the role for which he is best known: Hopalong Cassidy. This cowboy character became a huge hit, and Boyd acquired all rights to the Hopalong character in 1948. He consolidated all Hopalong enterprises and began a highly profitable business through promotion of the character. He donated some of his profits to children's hospitals and homes. Boyd married actress Grace Bradley in 1937. Boyd continued to work in the television industry into the 1950s.
Additional content for this collection can be found in the "Inventory for collection."
Young fan presenting Hopalong Cassidy's horse Topper with a birthday cake, ca. 1945
Resource Identifier
ah001711
Citation
William Boyd papers, Collection No. 8038, Box 115, Folder 2, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
Hopalong Cassidy astride his horse Topper, ca. 1945
Resource Identifier
ah002178
Citation
Photo File: Boyd William, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
Portrait of Hopalong Cassidy, ca. 1945
Resource Identifier
ah002179
Citation
Photo File: Boyd William, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
Portrait of Hopalong Cassidy with hands on his gun holsters, ca. 1945
Resource Identifier
ah002180
Citation
Photo File: Boyd William, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
Autographed photograph of Hopalong Cassidy with his horse Topper, 1943
Resource Identifier
ah002181
Citation
Photo File: Boyd William, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
Hopalong Cassidy and Topper with two child fans wearing western clothes with Hopalong Cassidy insignia, ca. 1945
Resource Identifier
ah002182
Citation
Photo File: Boyd William, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
Hopalong Cassidy posing with his gun and saddle, ca. 1945
Resource Identifier
ah002565
Citation
Photo File: Boyd William, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
Hopalong Cassidy holding up a glass of milk, ca. 1950
Boyd advertised many products, including milk.
Resource Identifier
ah003492
Citation
William Boyd papers, Collection No. 8038, Box 115, Folder 2, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
Hopalong Cassidy with boxes of Anderson Ice Cream, ca. 1950
Boyd is seen holding cartons of ice cream branded with his photograph and labeled "Hoppy's Favorite Ice Cream."
Resource Identifier
ah003493
Citation
William Boyd papers, Collection No. 8038, Box 115, Folder 2, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
Hopalong Cassidy with three fans and a model TWA Airlines plane, ca. 1950
Resource Identifier
ah003494
Citation
William Boyd papers, Collection No. 8038, Box 115, Folder 5, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
William Boyd posing with group of children from AAA School Safety Patrols, ca. 1950
AAA School Safety Patrols program began in 1920 as a way to help children learn traffic responsibilities.
Resource Identifier
ah003495
Citation
William Boyd papers, Collection No. 8038, Box 115, Folder 5, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
Hopalong Cassidy with children who formed the "Hoppy's Favorite Milk" baseball team, ca. 1950
Resource Identifier
ah003497
Citation
William Boyd papers, Collection No. 8038, Box 160, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
Billboard advertising Butter-Nut enriched bread with the slogan "Ride Along with Hopalong," ca 1950
Resource Identifier
ah003498
Citation
William Boyd papers, Collection No. 8038, Box 175, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
Hopalong Cassidy and Topper on a film set, ca. 1950
Resource Identifier
ah08038_0002
Citation
William Boyd papers, Collection No. 8038, Box 115, Folder 1, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
William Boyd and others taking a break on a film set, ca. 1950
Resource Identifier
ah08038_0004
Citation
William Boyd papers, Collection No. 8038, Box 115, Folder 1, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
William Boyd and his wife Grace Bradley Boyd at their home, ca. 1950
Resource Identifier
ah08038_0005
Citation
William Boyd papers, Collection No. 8038, Box 115, Folder 3, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
Hopalong Cassidy and Topper with fans looking on, some in western attire
Resource Identifier
ah08038_0007
Citation
William Boyd papers, Collection No. 8038, Box 160, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
Hopalong Cassidy astride Topper at a Wichita, Kansas, parade, ca. 1950
Resource Identifier
ah08038_0009
Citation
William Boyd papers, Collection No. 8038, Box 160, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
Behind the scenes at a Hopalong Cassidy film set, ca. 1950
Resource Identifier
ah08038_0014
Citation
William Boyd papers, Collection No. 8038, Box 171, Folder 7, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
William Boyd serving cake to the cast and crew during a film shoot, ca. 1950
Resource Identifier
ah08038_0015
Citation
William Boyd papers, Collection No. 8038, Box 160, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
Hopalong Cassidy with a young fan pointing his toy guns, ca. 1950
Photograph labeled "Git 'em up, Podner."
Resource Identifier
ah08038_0016
Citation
William Boyd papers, Collection No. 8038, Box 173, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
William Boyd holding up an article in a magazine titled, "Hopalong Cassidy and How He Grew," ca. 1950
Resource Identifier
ah08038_0017
Citation
William Boyd papers, Collection No. 8038, Box 173, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming