Will Rogers was born of Cherokee heritage in what was then called Indian Territory in 1879.  As a young man he started out working as a ranch hand and cowboy, eventually graduating to work as a rodeo performer.  His tricks with horses and lariats gained the attention of a vaudeville producer and before long Rogers and his horse were working working on stage.  He rose to the pinnacle of the entertainment world and became America's favorite performer, eventually starring in 71 films. Along the way he authored several books and became a beloved newspaper columnist and radio commentator.  In the 1920's and 1930's he was easily the most famous American and even facetiously ran for President in 1928 as the Anti-Bunk Party candidate.  Despite his fame he was beloved for championing the rights of the common man.  A friend to Presidents, the entire nation mourned when he died tragically in a plane crash in Alaska in 1935.  This lecture will trace the life of this beloved American who rose from horses to Hollywood.