One Of The Biggest Names In TV And Film Grew Up In One Of The Smallest Towns In Arizona
By Katie Lawrence|Published April 06, 2023
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
From musicians to TV and film stars to sports icons, there are quite a few famous people from Arizona. Today, we are highlighting the one and only Rex Allen, who was born and raised on his family’s ranch near the small town of Willcox. The singing cowboy was one of the top box office sensations of his era, starring in over a dozen Western films. Willcox even has a museum honoring him!
As sleepy a town as you've ever seen, Willcox is home to just over 3,000 people and offers a slow-paced lifestyle that harkens back to simpler times. Many of the buildings look like they're from the 1800s, and visitors think they've stepped back to the Old West.
In keeping with the Wild West look, Willcox (the Willcox area, at least) is the proud birthplace of Rex Allen, better known as "the Arizona Cowboy." Allen was raised on a ranch in Mud Springs Canyon, about 40 miles from Willcox. He got started in performing by singing and playing guitar with his father at local functions.
After touring the American Southwest as a rodeo rider, kicking off his singing career on a Phoenix radio station, and performing on the National Barn Dance in Chicago, Allen made his show business debut on the East Coast. Eventually, he became one of the top 10 box office sensations of the era, starring in 19 Hollywood Western productions.
Opened in 1989 (while Allen was still alive!), the museum features memorabilia from all of his various endeavors, including movie posters, artifacts, and more.
Also inside the museum is the Willcox Cowboy Hall of Fame, which honors real cowboys (not just men!) from the Willcox area whose main source of income is/was the livestock industry.
The pride and joy of the museum is a bronze sculpture of Rex Allen created by artist Buck McCain. Located across the street from the building, the interior of the statue features a molded bronze heart with arteries, which is meant to symbolize the fact that Allen's heart will forever remain in Willcox.
Did you know Rex Allen was born near the small town of Willcox? Are there any other famous people from Arizona who grew up in small towns? Tell us in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for more things to do in Willcox.
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