Soon after Ben Johnson won the 1971 Academy Award® for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Last Picture Show, a Hollywood mogul invited him to his office to discuss a new project. Johnson knew that an Oscar® often makes its recipients highly bankable, at least for a time. He also realized this man wanted to capitalize on his Oscar win, but he suspected the mogul thought Johnson didn’t know his own worth because he was just a cowboy.

Johnson later recounted that the mogul didn’t know the difference between a film about a horse and one about Godzilla; he couldn’t distinguish an actor from an extra or a director from a dishwasher. What the mogul did understand was the power of money and the influence it could wield to make more money by buying people he could use.

After the mogul directed Johnson to take a seat, he launched into his pitch: “Now, Ben, you and I are about to make a picture that will make you famous all over the world. I’ll pay you more money than you ever dreamed of and spend three times more on the production than any other cowboy picture ever cost. You can choose any glamour queen in Hollywood for your leading lady. You’ll be dressed-up, paid-up, hyped-up, and your name will be held up in lights as the premier cowboy star of all time. What do you think of that? Are you up to it?”

Johnson, being a man of principle and deeply connected to his cowboy roots, knew his own worth and didn’t let the mogul’s grand promises sway him. His career choices after his Oscar win reflected his commitment to authenticity and his preference for roles that resonated with his values, rather than succumbing to the superficial allure of fame and fortune.

Ben Johnson’s response to the Hollywood mogul’s grand offer was characteristic of his humble yet confident demeanor. He knew his worth and didn’t let the allure of fame and fortune cloud his judgment.

In the meeting with the mogul, when asked if he was up for the extravagant project that promised worldwide fame and fortune, Ben responded simply, “I can hold the horses.” This statement reflected his down-to-earth attitude and his focus on what truly mattered to him – his skills, integrity, and dedication to his craft.

Despite the mogul’s belief that the Oscar® validated Ben as a star, Ben himself knew that true validation came from staying true to his values and principles. He valued partnerships with filmmakers who appreciated him for who he was – a world-class cowboy both on and off the screen. Directors like John Ford, John Wayne, Howard Hughes, and Peter Bogdanovich recognized Ben’s authenticity and sought him out for roles that aligned with his cowboy persona.

Ben’s dedication to his craft extended beyond Hollywood. He had a background in rodeo, and his passion for roping and riding was evident in his commitment to excellence. Even as he achieved success in the movie business, he never lost touch with his cowboy roots or his love for working with horses.

His encounter with the mogul was just one example of how Ben stayed true to himself and remained grounded despite the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. His story serves as a reminder that true success lies in being authentic and staying true to one’s values.