Max Terhune

Who was Max Terhune?

Max Terhune was an American film actor. He appeared in nearly 70 films, mostly B-westerns, between 1936 and 1956.

Terhune, who was born in Franklin, Indiana, performed in 21 episodes of a popular Republic Studios western series called The Three Mesquiteers. His character, Lullaby Joslin, was launched by another popular character actor, Syd Saylor, but then Terhune stepped into the series which, involving 12 different actors, lasted for a total of 51 pictures over eight years. His co-stars in 15 of the pictures were Robert Livingston and Ray "Crash" Corrigan. He then worked with Corrigan and John Wayne, who took over Livingston's role shortly before Wayne's career was launched by his starring role in "Stagecoach". Terhune and Corrigan went on to work together in another trio western series, The Range Busters. He did several supporting roles with Gene Autry. It was Autry, with whom he had worked in radio in Chicago, who convinced him to come to Hollywood. Later he worked in Johnny Mack Brown westerns at Monogram. Terhune played the comic sidekick--with a major distinction. He always traveled the range with his dummy Elmer sharing his saddle. Elmer received a film credit for his appearances.