Thomas Edwin Mix, or more popularly known as Tom Mix, was an American actor known for his roles in Western movies. Throughout his career, Mix was able to appear in 291 films, with the majority of them being silent movies. A cowboy in real life, Mix was considered instrumental in developing and defining the genre for all other cowboy actors to follow.

Mix’s film career kicked off when he joined the Selig Polyscope Company. He made his first appearance in the 1909 short film “The Cowboy Millionaire.” This was followed a year later by the documentary film “Ranch Life in the Great Southwest,” where Mix starred as himself. In such film, Mix was able to showcase his cowboy skills, making him a star. As a member of Selig, he was able to do over 100 films for the company.

After Mix left Selig, he went on to do 160 more films, most of which were actions films that are nothing similar to that ones he did when he was still in the company. He did all of his stunts in these films, resulting to him being frequently injured. The year 1929 marked the beginning of the end of Mix’s film career. During that time, he worked for the small studio FBO (Film Booking Office of America), which eventually merged with RKO Radio Pictures. Mix, who was 49 years old then, decided to retire from his film career. In 1930s, a radio series named after him was produced, entitled “Tom Mix Ralston Straight Shooters.” He never appeared on any of the broadcasts of this radio show.

Tom Mix died by accident on October 12, 1940 at 60 years of age. A stone memorial was built on the site of accident. Among the recognitions for his contribution in the film industry was a star on the popular Hollywood Walk of Fame.