No One Believed These Woody Strode Stories! Until They Watched This
For decades, the stories about Woody Strode—his strength, his courage, and his battles against discrimination—were dismissed as Hollywood legend. But the truth is even more powerful than the myth. Woody Strode was not just one of the first Black action stars in Hollywood; he was a trailblazer who broke barriers in sports, film, and life, enduring struggles that few dared to acknowledge.
Born in Los Angeles in 1914 to parents descended from enslaved people, Woody grew up in an America ruled by Jim Crow laws. From an early age, he stood out—tall, strong, and fast. At UCLA, he became a football phenomenon, forming the legendary “Atomic Four” with Jackie Robinson, Kenny Washington, and Ray Bartlett.
They were the first major college team to start four Black players, dominating the field but facing relentless racism off it. Despite their talent, the NFL enforced a silent ban on Black players, forcing Woody to play in obscure leagues and eventually turn to professional wrestling, where he was treated as a spectacle for white audiences.
Woody’s breakthrough came in 1946 when the Los Angeles Rams, pressured by city officials, signed him and Kenny Washington, making them the first Black players in the NFL in the modern era—a year before Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier. But even then, Woody faced isolation and hostility, forced to shower last and eat apart from his teammates.
Hollywood soon noticed Woody’s imposing physique, casting him in films like “Sundown.” Yet, for nearly two decades, he was typecast as a silent, muscular figure—rarely given lines, always asked to kneel or appear submissive. He refused roles that humiliated him, which cost him work but preserved his dignity.
Woody’s turning point came with director John Ford, who saw not just muscle, but depth. In “Spartacus” (1960), Woody’s gladiator Draba delivered a powerful act of defiance, refusing to kill for the crowd and instead turning his weapon on the Roman elite. In “Sergeant Rutledge,” Woody played a wrongly accused cavalryman, speaking with intelligence and dignity—a rare portrayal for Black actors at the time.
Frustrated by Hollywood’s limits, Woody moved to Europe, where directors valued his presence and allowed him to play characters with real depth. Roles in “The Professionals” and “Once Upon a Time in the West” made him an icon abroad, and he returned to America as a respected figure, finally given the chance to play kings and warriors.
Woody’s personal life was as disciplined as his career. Married for over 40 years to Lucia Aluana, he lived quietly, shunning Hollywood excess. He maintained a strict regimen, never drinking or smoking, and remained loyal to his family.
In his final years, Woody’s legacy grew. The NFL and Hollywood began to recognize his pioneering role, restoring his films and honoring his impact. Woody passed away in 1994, but his story endures—an example of resilience, dignity, and the power of standing tall against injustice.
Woody Strode’s life proves that true legends are not made by fame alone, but by the battles they fight and the dignity they refuse to surrender. Today, his name stands as a symbol of strength, discipline, and the triumph of character over prejudice.
—
