From the USPS Cowboys of the Silver Screen, April 17 With the issuance of the “Cow- than a dozen previous stamps. boys of the Silver Screen” stamps, Rodriguez based his portrait of the U.S. Postal Service honors Tom Mix on a likeness of the ac- four extraordinary performers who tor that appeared on the Cupid’s helped make the American West- Round Up (1918) movie poster. ern a popular form of entertain- ment. Film stars from the silent era Gene Autry through the singing era are featured For more than two decades, on the stamps: William S. Hart, Tom Gene Autry (1907-1998) enter- Mix, Gene Autry, and Roy Rogers. tained movie audiences and won The stamps go on sale April 17. the hearts of millions of fans with his distinctive singing style William S. Hart and easygoing personality. His William S. Hart (1864-1946) sorrel-colored horse, Champion, brought a powerful presence and often played a major role in his serious approach to early Westerns. films, as did frequent sidekicks Tall and trim, with acting skills honed by years of Smiley Burnette and Pat Buttram. Aside from being experience on the New York stage and in produc- one of the most admired cowboys to ever appear on tions across the country, Hart became one of the the silver screen, Autry left behind a legacy that in- most popular leading men of the silent film era. In cludes many hit records, a long-running radio show, his movies, the actor insisted on authentic depictions and a successful television series. of the Old West and its people, from their clothes The stamp art is by freelance illustrator Robert to their lifestyles and complex personalities. He fre- Rodriguez, whose work has been featured on more quently played the stalwart, tough-as-nails cowboy, than a dozen previous stamps. Rodriguez based his and his favorite horse was a brown and white pinto portrait of Gene Autry on a likeness of the actor that named Fritz. appeared on a poster for the film Gold Mine in the The stamp art is by freelance illustrator Robert Sky (1938). Rodriguez, whose work has been featured on more than a dozen previous stamps. Rodriguez based his Roy Rogers portrait of William S. Hart on a likeness of the actor Roy Rogers (1911-1998) was a silver screen that appeared on a poster for the epic film Tumble- cowboy who sang his way to stardom. He always weeds (1925). played the Western hero, with a warm smile, good character, and strong values. Although he found Tom Mix great success in show business—beginning with his Tom Mix (1880-1940) was one of the most cel- first starring role, in a 1938 film—his modest roots ebrated Western film stars of the 1920s. He wowed kept him a down-to-earth country boy that Ameri- movie crowds and live audiences alike with his dare- cans couldn’t help but admire. For decades, children devil riding, expert rope handling, unerring marks- across the country aspired to be like him and tried manship, and rugged good looks. He also served as a to live by the Roy Rogers code of conduct, which role model for a generation of schoolchildren, main- stated that boys and girls should “be neat and clean” taining a wholesome screen persona that involved and “always obey their parents.” “no cussin’ and no drinkin’” by his characters. A The stamp art is by freelance illustrator Robert legend in his own time, Mix wore oversize Stet- Rodriguez, whose work has been featured on more sons, fancy suits, and handmade Texas boots with than a dozen previous stamps. Rodriguez based his engraved silver spurs. He rode “Tony, the wonder portrait of Roy Rogers on a selection of vintage horse,” who also became an audience favorite. Rogers materials. The stamp art is by freelance illustrator Robert Rodriguez, whose work has been featured on more