Will Rogers

William Penn Adair Rogers (November 4, 1879 – August 15, 1935) was a Native American vaudeville performer, actor, and humorous social commentator. Born in the Cherokee Nation, he gained fame as 'Oklahoma's Favorite Son.' Rogers traveled extensively, performing around the world and starring in 71 films, including 50 silent films and 21 'talkies.' He also wrote over 4,000 nationally syndicated newspaper columns. Known for his sharp political wit, Rogers was the highest paid Hollywood film star of his time. Tragically, he died in 1935 in a plane crash in northern Alaska, alongside aviator Wiley Post. Rogers' career began in vaudeville, then flourished in the Ziegfeld Follies and through newspaper columns and radio appearances.