The heavens gained several stars this year as classic film stars passed away in 2012.
Since Comet Over Hollywood did not give several of them the full attention they deserved, the first month of 2013 will be dedicated to some of the notable celebrities who left us. This is the last of Comet’s 2012 rememberances.
Harry Carey, Jr.
He could be seen frequently along side John Wayne, and his father nicknamed him Dobe for his red hair that resembled adobe soil.
Along with actors Paul Fix, Ward Bond and Mildred Natwick, Harry Carey, Jr. was a staple in John Ford westerns.
Following in the footsteps of his character actor father, Harry Carey, Carey Jr. usually seemed to play a baby faced innocent in westerns.
Coming from the acting family, Carey, Jr. appeared with his father in “Red River” and with his mother, Olive Carey in “The Searchers” and “Two Rode Together.
Three of his first movies starred John Wayne: “Red River” (1948), “3 Godfathers” (1949) and “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon” (1949).
But Carey, Jr. wasn’t just a character actor in John Ford’s films but also was close friends with Ford and John Wayne.
“I loved Duke and he loved me,” Carey said in an interview with in 2009 for the book Duke, We’re Glad We Knew You. “The thing is, I don’t think he ever forgave me for being the son of Harry Carey. Harry Carey was his absolute hero.”
John Wayne, Harry Carey Jr., Ben Johnson, John Agar and George O’Brien on the set of “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon”.
Carey, Jr. even married within the John Ford stock company, marrying Paul Fix’s daughter, Marilyn from 1944 until his death at the age of 91 on Dec. 27, 2012.
Though Carey, Jr. usually didn’t have a large role, he always added something special to his films, whether it be a comedic moment or an emotional scene.
Out of all of the John Ford stock players, he was one of my favorites.
“My journey has been that of a character actor,” the New York Times quoted from Carey’s autobiography. “I’ve worked with the great and the not-so-great. But mostly I’ve worked with men and women who loved their profession, and who like me, had kids to raise and houses to pay for.”
Check out the Comet Over Hollywood Facebook page
Comet Over Hollywood 
When I think of Harry Carey, Jr I think of Ben Johnson too especially the scene where they’re horse racing Roman Style!
LikeLike
I haven’t seen as much of his work with Ben Johnson, I will have to check it out!
LikeLike
You’ve made a good point about Harry Carey, Jr always adding something special to his films. I never really thought of it before, but you’re right.
LikeLike
He’s one of those, like Vera Miles, that I’m always really happy to see in a movie. Thanks for commenting!
LikeLike