Red West
American actor (1936–2017) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Robert Gene "Red" West (March 8, 1936 – July 18, 2017) was an American actor, film stuntman and songwriter.[1] He was known for being a close confidant and bodyguard for rock and roll singer Elvis Presley. Upon his firing, West co-wrote the controversial Elvis: What Happened?, a tell all book about Elvis co written with a Rupport Murdoch journalist; the book was published in May 1977 in UK and later in USA (just two weeks before Presley's August 1977 death).[lower-alpha 1][2]
Red West | |
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Born | Robert Gene West (1936-03-08)March 8, 1936 Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
Died | July 18, 2017(2017-07-18) (aged 81) Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
Alma mater | Jones County Junior College |
Occupation(s) | Actor, stunt performer, songwriter, author |
Years active | 1959–2015 |
Spouse |
Pat Boyd (m. 1961) |
Children | 2 |
Relatives | Sonny West (cousin) |
West was also known to American film audiences for his role as Red in Road House, alongside Patrick Swayze. West appeared to critical acclaim in the 2008 independent film Goodbye Solo as William.[3]