Dick Jones

Stars

Born Feb. 25, 1927 in Snyder, TX

Died July 7, 2014 in Northridge, CA

Dick Jones starred in hundreds of films and TV episodes, but he was probably best known for a role in which viewers never see his face.

As a child, Jones (known as Dickie Jones) voiced the character of Pinocchio in the classic Walt Disney film of the same name, and that role has continued to be his most lasting screen credit, though he worked steadily as an actor through the 1960s. When he was cast in the role of Pinocchio, he was only 11 years old, but he had already appeared in over 40 films. Still, he had no idea what he was becoming a part of.

"At the time, 'Pinocchio' was just a job. Who knew it would turn out to be the classic that it is today? I count my lucky stars that I had a part in it," he said in 2000, upon being named a "Disney Legend" by the company for his work in the film.

Jones had started out as a young rodeo trick rider and roper in Texas, but Hollywood embraced him. While working as a child actor, he appeared in numerous movie classics, including "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," "Young Mr. Lincoln" and "Heaven Can Wait." His acting career slowed a bit after he was drafted in 1944. Though the war was on, he has said that he did not see any action.

Jones would never again appear in a film as big as some of the ones he appeared in as a kid, but he continued to work in Hollywood. In 1949, his skill at stunt-riding on horses kicked off a longtime relationship with Gene Autry, and eventually won him roles in TV series such as "The Range Rider" and "Buffalo Bill Jr." By the 1960s, he had retired from acting and turned his attention to selling real estate.

Jones died July 7, 2014 at his home in Northridge, Calif, He was 87.

— Todd VanDerWerff for the Los Angeles Times June 24, 2010, with updates

Related stars

Walt Disney
Professional
Gene Autry
Professional
King Vidor
Director

Points of interest

Three thoughts about Dick Jones

“

movies, cartoons, t.v. for years one of the best rider/stunt guys i have ever seen and once actually played "duke" wayne as a kid in a thirties "b"western until the wagon train was robbed and his family mudered,fade out fade in as he became john waynes character. he gave life to one of the most famous catoon characters ,pinocchio, in film history in the epic as well as working gene autry in range rider and buffalo bill jr.of course he deserves it.and i would gladly except a collect phone call from him or e-mail that's how much i think of him even an autographed pic would do. lots of fun to watch him work.good luck,good life,good health to one of those guys it was always a hoot to watch.luv ya dick always made me smile.

” — steve cannon, August 19, 2010 at 8:58 p.m.

“

As an 8th and 9th grader, I was 'in love' with 'Dick West'. Apparently I was watching re-runs of that wonderful show, Range Rider, but didn't know it! That was 1955-1957. I don't remember the time or station, but we lived in Arlington, VA and it was in the afternoon.

Then, one Sunday, in Sunday School, we saw a movie about the Prodigal Son, and, OH, MY! My secret love, Dick Jones was the STAR! He was so much my heartthrob!

It's amazing how much I have loved 'Dick West' thru the years, even tho I never saw him after wards. Until today! My niece gave me the 'Gun Justice' DVD collection of classic TV westerns. In one of the Lone Ranger episodes, 'Rustler's Hideout', the 'Son of the Rancher', Jim, looked oh so cute and familiar. And, yep, there he was, Dickie Jones.

So, guess I'm gonna have to get the DVD set of 'Range Rider'

I, too, wouldn't mind getting a note or signed picture from Mr Dick Jones, even now!
Purries, A furever Fan
MaryLee >^,,^<~

” — Marylee Burnett Welch, May 3, 2012 at 6:13 p.m.

“

Great guy! Had the pleasure to meet him at his house and fix his cable. Helped him put his tv together and showed his wife and him how to use it. He signed a collectors Blu-Ray for me. Very nice to have met him while he still lived. Best part was when I first entered his house, I said "WOW, you sure do have of lots Pinocchio memorabilia" Mr Jones says " of course, because I'm Pinocchio". At first I didn't catch on and thought man this guy sure does love Pinocchio. As I presumed to fix his cable, that phrase was inquiring my curiosity. So I asked him " what do you mean you're Pinocchio?" He then responds, "yes I was the voice of Pinocchio when I was a boy". As he said that, I looked down at my computer to see the name on the account. Dicky Jones. I smiled and said WOW! You are him. Haha. He smiled and gave me a nice tour of all his pieces he had collected. After being done. I gave him my info and asked if he ever needed anything, feel free to call and I'd be glad to go out and assist him. Sad to hear he passed away. May he RIP and he will always be remembered.

” — Daniel Cerda, January 5, 2015 at 11:31 p.m.

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