Sam J. Garrett

Sam J. Garrett began performing at the age of 14 after being discovered by Will Rogers who was impressed by his trick roping. Rogers himself taught Garrett a few rope tricks.

Starting in 1905, he traveled with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West, Texas Cattle Theatrical Show, Pawnee Bill’s Show, and the Barnum and Bailey Circus. Garrett also starred in over 90 films, especially during the silent era, and taught many Hollywood stars how to trick rope, including Debbie Reynolds. He kept a ranch with his wife Ruby near Burbank, California. He was a headliner act at the Madison Square Garden rodeo for four straight years during World War I. He was also an active participant in steer wrestling, steer roping, calf roping, and trick roping. He was the world champion trick roper at Cheyenne Frontier Days seven times from 1916-1926. As All-Around Champion at Pendleton in 1914, he won the Police Gazette belt. From 1915-1916, he was All-Around Champion Cowboy at Billings, Montana.

He died on April 4, 1989, in his home at Fallbrook, California, at the age of 97.

He was inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame of the Rodeo Historical Society at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in 1985.