Introduction to Denny Miller
Denny Miller is an American actor and former professional basketball player best known for his role in the 1959 western film, “The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West”. He is also remembered for his time playing college basketball at UCLA from 1954-1956. Miller was an All-American forward, and was a key member of UCLA’s first two NCAA tournament teams in 1954 and 1955.
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Early Life and Education
Miller was born in 1936 in Parkersburg, West Virginia to parents John and Audrey Miller. He grew up in Zanesville, Ohio, and attended Zanesville High School. After graduation, he attended Ohio University and then transferred to UCLA. He was the first person in his family to go to college.
UCLA Basketball Career
Miller played basketball at UCLA from 1954-1956. He was a 6’6″ forward and was a key member of UCLA’s first two NCAA tournament teams in 1954 and 1955. In his first season, he led the Bruins to an undefeated season and their first NCAA tournament appearance. He was named an All-American in 1955 and was the team captain in 1956.
NCAA Tournament Appearances
In 1954, Denny Miller and the UCLA Bruins made their first ever NCAA tournament appearance. They were the first team from the West Coast to make it to the tournament. The Bruins defeated Seattle University in the first round, and then lost to eventual champion La Salle in the regional semifinals.
In 1955, Miller and the Bruins made their second NCAA tournament appearance. They defeated San Francisco University in the first round, and then lost to eventual champion San Francisco in the regional semifinals.
Post-UCLA Career
After graduating from UCLA, Miller was drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers in 1956. However, he decided to pursue an acting career instead of playing professional basketball.
He appeared in a number of television shows and movies, including “The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West”, in which he starred alongside Walter Brennan and Maureen O’Hara. He also made appearances in the television shows “The Rifleman”, “The Virginian”, and “Bonanza”.
Acting Roles
After his basketball career was over, Denny Miller went on to appear in a variety of television shows and movies. He had a recurring role in the 1960s show “The Virginian” as ranch hand “Duke Shannon”. He also appeared in the westerns “The Virginian”, “Bonanza”, and “The High Chaparral”.
Miller also starred in a number of movies, including the western “The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West” (1959), the adventure film “The Secret of the Purple Reef” (1960), and the science fiction film “Robinson Crusoe on Mars” (1964).
Later Life and Death
In the late 1960s, Miller moved to Hawaii, where he worked as a tour guide. He died in 2004 in Honolulu at the age of 68.
Legacy
Denny Miller is remembered as a pioneer for West Coast basketball and for his role in the 1959 western film, “The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West”. He is also remembered for his time playing college basketball at UCLA from 1954-1956, where he was a key member of the Bruins’ first two NCAA tournament teams.
Awards and Accomplishments
- All-American – 1955
- NCAA Tournament Appearances – 1954, 1955
- Team Captain – 1956
Conclusion
Denny Miller was a pioneer for West Coast basketball and an actor who left behind an impressive legacy. He was a key member of UCLA’s first two NCAA tournament teams, and was named an All-American in 1955. He is remembered for his time at UCLA and for his role in the 1959 western film, “The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West”.