On June 13, 1955, a group of young actors who were considered potential future stars posed for a publicity photo outside Wil Wright’s ice cream parlour in Los Angeles, California. From left to right, the photo featured Lance Fuller, Jayne Mansfield, John Smith, Natalie Wood, and Robert Fuller. Each of them went on to have very different careers and destinies.
Lance Fuller was likely the least successful of the group. In the 1950s, he worked under contract with Universal, but he never achieved major stardom. He later moved into television roles with limited success. His acting career ended around 1962. In 1968, he made local headlines after crashing several cars on a street; during the incident, a police officer shot him in the chest. Fuller survived and attempted to restart his career, but it never took off again. He lived a quiet life afterward and passed away in 2001.
Jayne Mansfield became a well-known Hollywood sex symbol in the late 1950s. She enjoyed a short-lived period of major popularity, starring in several films and becoming a tabloid favorite. Tragically, her life was cut short in 1967 when she died in a car accident at the age of 34.
John Smith gained fame mainly through his starring role in the TV western Laramie. He later worked alongside John Wayne in Circus World. However, according to Smith’s biographer, director Henry Hathaway strongly disliked Smith and allegedly tried to damage his career, though the reason was never made clear. Smith struggled professionally afterward. He died in 1995 from cirrhosis of the liver and heart complications.
Natalie Wood was already an accomplished young actress at just 16 when this photo was taken. The year 1955 was significant for her because she began transitioning into adult roles, most notably appearing in Rebel Without a Cause. She went on to become one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses. Sadly, her life ended in 1981 when she drowned in mysterious circumstances that remain the subject of speculation.
Robert Fuller—unrelated to Lance Fuller—may be considered the most successful and longest-lasting star from the group. He became widely known for his roles in the TV series Laramie, Wagon Train, and Emergency!. He enjoyed a long, steady career and lived a long life; as of today, he is still alive and nearing his 90th birthday.
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