Roy Rogers and Dale Evans: Lessons from a Hollywood Couple

It is rare we can look to Hollywood stars for inspiration.

Strong Christian families, in particular, seem to have little or nothing in common with movie stars. Yet, there was one celebrity couple, who defied this usually accurate stereotype: Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. This successful and wildly popular duo of the 1950s were married for fifty-one years, raised nine children, and embraced God as the center of their lives.

Life was not always simple and free of worries for the Rogers family. Nevertheless, they were characterized by their joyfulness and Christian witness in the public square. What, then, was their secret to happiness, and what messages can they still send to families today?

Known as “King of the Cowboys,” Roy Rogers appeared in over one hundred movies and countless TV and radio shows. A Life magazine survey found that amongst children, Roy was ranked with the likes of Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt as the person they would most like to emulate.

He stood for everything good about the American cowboy. He was handsome and strong; he never started a fight but always defeated the bad guys; and he never ceased to impart wholesome values to his young viewers.

Roy was serious about being a worthy role model on stage, but he always kept his successful career in perspective. Roy explained that his family was the center of his life: “Of course, I enjoyed making pictures, but it was a job. That’s what it meant to me. The best part of my life is my family.”

Their Secret to a Happy Marriage

Roy was happily married to Arlene Wilkins for ten years, until she died unexpectedly after complications from the birth of their third child. Roy was devastated and did his best to raise his three young children on his own. His struggles brought him closer to his co-star, Dale Evans, whose kindness and vivacity helped him through this difficult time. When Roy and Dale were married two years later, Roy claimed that “With Dale by my side, life’s colors grew bright again.”

This was the beginning of a very happy and blessed fifty-one years of marriage. Amidst the rocky relationships, which were the norm in Hollywood, Roy and Dale were frequently asked the secret to their happiness. To this question, Dale responded, “Roy has been a wonderful husband, father and friend. . . . ‘The Lord is the head of our home, we never let the sun go down on our wrath, nor let disagreements fester overnight.’”

Roy explained how he saw marriage as a very selfless relationship, “I think marriage is a give 80 and take 20 on both sides. And especially today, for marriages to survive, that’s the way it’s got to be. You’ve got to give a lot more than you take, on both sides.” In today’s world, where the sacred institution of marriage needs affirmation, Roy and Dale’s advice is fitting in its simplicity.

Roy and Dale’s love for each other is exemplified in the love they showed to each of their children. PR managers and Hollywood reporters tried to discourage Roy and Dale from marrying and having a large family, claiming marriage would mar their image as a romantic onscreen couple, and many children would be a hindrance to their career. Roy and Dale had no worries about this, however, and embraced the three children from Roy’s marriage to Arlene and the five children who were to follow.

An Angel Unaware

In 1950, Dale gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Robin Elizabeth. The doctors broke the news that Robin had Down Syndrome and recommended that Roy and Dale institutionalize her. Defying standard practice, Roy and Dale refused and instead brought her home as a blessed new member of their family.

They explained to their other children that Robin was a special baby and was not very strong, “We have to take care of her just as though she were a delicate little flower.” The children responded with gentleness and love to their new baby sister.

Dale noted that Robin’s presence helped them all to grow closer as a family. Robin was embraced by all and made a prominent part of the Rogers family, even appearing in photoshoots with her family in adorable cowgirl outfits. Her life brought a special light to all who knew her.

Robin’s short life of two years brought Roy and Dale closer to God, as they witnessed her impact on their lives as a part of God’s plan. During the heartache she felt over Robin’s death, Dale came across a passage in Hebrews 13, which states, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unaware.”

This helped Dale to recognize Robin’s role in their lives, “She had come to us from God – an angel – with all her handicaps and frailties to make us aware that His strength is found in weakness. In the two years she had been with us we had grown close as a family and we learned how deeply we needed to depend on God.”

Dale felt this was Robin’s message, prompting her to write Angel Unaware, the story of Robin’s life. This powerful little book became a best-seller, helping families of handicapped children to understand the blessings these children brought to their lives. After the publication of Robin’s book, Roy and Dale had a new audience at their shows; among the cheering youngsters were found children with Down Syndrome and all manner of other disabilities.

Dale, who had been devastated by the loss of Robin, now saw her daughter’s face shining in the faces of all the special children in the audience. Dale said, “She filled the arena and her love filled my heart.” The blessings that Robin’s life brought to Roy and Dale prompted them to open their hearts and their loving home to adopt four more children.

Even though Roy and Dale are mere shadows from the past for most people, much inspiration can be drawn from their lives. In particular, they were always bucking the status quo of their times, resulting in greater happiness for themselves and their family. Homeschooling families face similar challenges as they defy the typical route of schooling to provide a lasting and faith-filled education for their children.

Roy and Dale’s message is timeless in its appeal to all those who place faith and family as the top priorities in their lives.

About Rose Herlihy

Rose Herlihy used Seton for K-12, and then went on to obtain a B.A. in English from Christendom College. She is now attending nursing school in Pittsburgh, PA.