The Biography

Frank Rice was born in Muskegon, Michigan in 1892 and passed away January 9, 1936 in Los Angeles of nephritis and hepatitis (both of which affect the kidneys).  Rice began film work in silents, doing bit and supporting roles in various films, including oaters starring Jack Hoxie, Bill Cody, Hoot Gibson, Ken Maynard, Pete Morrison and Buck Jones. In the late 1920s, he settled in as the mature helper/sidekick to youngster Buzz Barton in Buzz's series at Film Booking Office (FBO).  During the 1930s, Rice continued his saddle pal duties, appearing most frequently with Buck Jones and Ken Maynard. But he also assisted or had support roles in westerns with Tom Keene at RKO, Reliable's Jack Perrin and Tom Tyler, Tim McCoy at Columbia, at Fox with George O'Brien, and with John Wayne in his Warners series.