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From London lad to Hollywood legend: Western film expert Neil Summers passes away at 81

Michelle Engbino
By Michelle Engbino
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Obituaries

From London lad to Hollywood legend: Western film expert Neil Summers passes away at 81

Screenshot 2025-09-11 at 09.27.13.png From London lad to Hollywood legend: Western film expert Neil Summers passes away at 81
Image source: IMDB.

The man who collected Hollywood's Wild West history while living it has ridden into the sunset.



Neil Summers, the veteran stuntman and actor who died on September 4 at his home in Kanab, Utah, wasn't just another Hollywood performer—he was a passionate guardian of Western film heritage whose personal collection rivals that of major museums.





Reports note he died of natural causes, though an official cause has not yet been released. Surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing, the 81-year-old left behind not only memorable performances in films like Dick Tracy and RoboCop, but also one of the largest collections of Western movie memorabilia in the world.




The making of a Hollywood cowboy



Born in London, England on April 28, 1944, Summers seemed an unlikely candidate to become one of Hollywood's most respected Western experts.



Yet in 1963, he travelled to Tucson, Arizona, to appear as a stunt extra in McLintock!—launching what would become a five-decade career in the film industry.



Growing up watching westerns, his all-consuming passion was to be a cowboy in the movies. What started as summer holiday work as a horseback rider gradually evolved into a full-time Hollywood career, where being good with horses and not minding getting 'shot' proved valuable assets.





'He was a true gentleman and cowboy at heart'

Fan tribute on social media




Working with legends of the silver screen




Summers' career coincided with the golden age of Hollywood Westerns, allowing him to work alongside some of cinema's biggest names.



Across his career, he shared sets with Elvis Presley, John Wayne and Clint Eastwood—famously chalking up on-screen moments where he was 'shot' by Eastwood and 'killed' by Wayne.







As a stunt double, he worked for actors including Warren Oates, Roddy McDowall, Michael Anderson Jr. and Michael J. Pollard. His television appearances spanned classic shows including Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Barnaby Jones, Death Valley Days, The High Chaparral, The Fall Guy, Petrocelli and Daniel Boone.




His résumé also stretches well beyond the headline titles. Credits include Duel at Diablo, True Grit, El Dorado, Rio Lobo, Rough Night in Jericho, Heaven with a Gun, The Greatest Story Ever Told, The Outlaw Josey Wales, Wild at Heart, multiple Naked Gun films, Better Off Dead, Howard the Duck, Harry and the Hendersons, U.S. Marshals, Bedazzled, Mars Attacks! and Holes, among others.





Neil Summers' Western expertise


Beyond performing, Summers became a respected Western film historian:


• Authored books including Candid Cowboys, Candid Cowboys Vol. 2, Unsung Heroes, and 'TV Western Round Up


• Several pieces of his western collection are on display at the Gene Autry museum


• Wrote biographical profiles of Western stuntmen for Western Clippings website


• Son of a champion cyclist





Transition to memorable character roles




Summers successfully transitioned into acting, securing memorable roles with his adaptability moving seamlessly between dangerous stunts and on-screen characters. His most recognisable performances included The Rodent in Warren Beatty's 1990 Dick Tracy and Dougy, a member of crime boss Clarence Boddicker's gang, in the 1987 RoboCop.




His filmography also includes appearances in The Shawshank Redemption and My Name Is Nobody, alongside numerous other classics.







Life as a Western film historian




What set Summers apart from many performers was his dedication to preserving Western film history. Having one of the largest collections of Western movie memorabilia in the world, he wasn't merely a collector but an active historian who shared his knowledge through writing.




His books provided insights into the often-overlooked world of stuntmen and supporting players who made Western films possible. This scholarly approach to his craft reflected a deep respect for the industry that had given him a livelihood.





Neil Summers' unique career path



  • Started as London-born immigrant with a dream

  • Career in Hollywood spanned over five decades

  • Transitioned from stuntman to actor to historian

  • Combined performing with preserving Western film heritage

  • Lived quietly in small-town Utah while maintaining Hollywood connections





Quiet retirement in the American West




In later years, Summers lived in Kanab, Utah, population 3,564—a fitting location for someone who had spent decades bringing the American West to life on screen. The small town provided a peaceful contrast to the hectic pace of Hollywood production schedules.







'To be able to spend your life doing something that you love is a wonderful thing,' he once said, adding 'I'm proud of being a survivor in an industry which chews people up and spits them out.'




Industry tributes pour in




Following news of his passing, friends, colleagues and fans have shared tributes online, remembering his decades of work and the mark he left on Hollywood. One widely shared message noted his beloved Dick Tracy role and praised his extraordinary Western collection; another remembered him simply as a 'real cowboy' and a true gentleman.




The tributes reflect not just his professional contributions, but the personal respect he earned throughout the industry. Though Summers never became an A-list talent, he leaves a significant mark on the entertainment world, with many taking to social media to salute his legacy.




What This Means For You


Summers is survived by his longtime partner, Karen, as well as his sister, niece and nephew. His legacy extends beyond family to include the countless film enthusiasts who will continue to benefit from his written works and the museum displays featuring his remarkable collection.



From a London lad with cowboy dreams to a respected performer and historian, Neil Summers embodied the adventurous spirit of the American West both on and off screen. His story reminds us that sometimes the most interesting lives are lived not in the spotlight, but in passionate pursuit of preserving the stories that matter.



What memories do you have of the Western films and television shows that featured Neil Summers' work? Share your thoughts about this era of Hollywood history in the comments below.




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Vale Neil 🌹 💕 Condolences to his loved ones 🌹 💕 🙏
 
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RIP.
 
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R.I.P. Neil.
You will be very sadly missed.😢😢 🌹 🌹

Condolences to his family & loved ones.
 
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