Will Rogers, Jr. Video | Speeches and Interviews

William Vann Rogers, generally known as Will Rogers, Jr. (October 20, 1911–July 9, 1993), was a son of legendary humorist Will Rogers (1879–1935) and his wife, the former Betty Blake (1879–1944). He was a Democratic U. S. Representative from California from January 3, 1943 until May 23, 1944, when he resigned to return to the United States Army. Rogers had several other careers, notably as a newspaper owner/publisher, an actor, writer, and a political commentator. Rogers was born in New York City, where his father was performing. He grew up in Beverly Hills, California and attended... MORE

William Vann Rogers, generally known as Will Rogers, Jr. (October 20, 1911–July 9, 1993), was a son of legendary humorist Will Rogers (1879–1935) and his wife, the former Betty Blake (1879–1944). He was a Democratic U. S. Representative from California from January 3, 1943 until May 23, 1944, when he resigned to return to the United States Army. Rogers had several other careers, notably as a newspaper owner/publisher, an actor, writer, and a political commentator. Rogers was born in New York City, where his father was performing. He grew up in Beverly Hills, California and attended school there. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University in 1935. On completing his studies, he served as publisher of the Beverly Hills Citizen newspaper, a role in which he continued until 1953. He had been commissioned a second lieutenant through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, but did not go on active duty. With U.S. entry into World War II, however, he enlisted as a private in June 1942, and was commissioned in the field artillery the following month and assigned to the 893rd Tank Destroyer Battalion. While on active duty, Rogers was elected to the House of Representatives LESS