John Agar
John G. Agar (January 31, 1921 – April 7, 2002) was a prominent American actor known for his performances in both classic films and low-budget productions. He gained significant recognition for his roles alongside legendary actor John Wayne in notable movies such as Sands of Iwo Jima and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. Despite later finding himself primarily in B movies, Agar's filmography included memorable titles like Tarantula, The Mole People, The Brain from Planet Arous, Flesh and the Spur, and Hand of Death. He also showcased his talent in the 1951 film The Magic Carpet alongside Lucille Ball.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Agar was the son of Lillian and John Agar, Sr., a meat packer. He received his education at prestigious institutions including the Harvard School for Boys and Trinity-Pawling Preparatory School, yet he did not pursue college. Following the death of his father, the family relocated to Los Angeles in 1942. Agar served as a sergeant in the Army Air Corps during World War II, returning to civilian life in 1946.
Agar was married to child star Shirley Temple from 1945 to 1950, with whom he had a daughter, Linda Susan Agar. He later married model Loretta Barnett Combs in 1951, and they remained together until her passing in 2000, raising two sons, Martin and John III. Agar passed away in Burbank, California, from emphysema complications and was interred at Riverside National Cemetery. His legacy endures, even mentioned in Frank Zappa's song "The Radio is Broken."
Filmography
The Brain from Planet Arous
The Perfect Bride
Sands of Iwo Jima
The Mole People
Zontar: The Thing from Venus
Revenge of the Creature
Chisum
Mr. No Legs
Hold Back Tomorrow
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
Daughter of Dr. Jekyll
Breakthrough
Star in the Dust
King Kong (1976)
Invisible Invaders
Divided We Fall
Adventure in Baltimore
Shield for Murder
Journey to the Seventh Planet
Johnny Reno
Tarantula
Fear (1990)
The Woman on Pier 13
Law of the Lawless
The Magic Carpet
Hand of Death
Young Fury
Miracle Mile
Bait
Big Jake
Attack of the Puppet People