Earl Holliman’s path to Hollywood was paved with determination and grit. At just 14 years old, he left his hometown of Oil City, Louisiana, with a burning desire to become a movie star. His journey took him through various stops, including Camden, Arkansas, and Texarkana, before finally arriving in Hollywood.
With savings from his jobs as a diner worker and theater usher, Holliman took a bold step, hitchhiking from Texarkana to Hollywood. Although he acknowledges the risks of his decision, it marked the beginning of his pursuit of stardom.
After an initial setback, Holliman served in the Navy before returning to Los Angeles to study at UCLA and the Pasadena Playhouse.
His perseverance paid off, landing roles in iconic films like “Giant,” “Forbidden Planet,” and “The Sons of Katie Elder.” He also made a name for himself in television, starring alongside Angie Dickinson in “Police Woman” and Richard Chamberlain in “The Thorn Birds.”
Holliman fondly recalls his early days in Hollywood, including a memorable morning stroll in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, where he playfully pretended to be a celebrity. Now, at 95, Holliman’s remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of aspiration and hard work in achieving one’s dreams.
