Ward Bond died on November 5, 1960, in Los Angeles, California, at age 58. His passing followed a heart attack earlier in the same day while he was at home in the Los Angeles area. Bond was an American film and television actor whose career spanned decades and who remains widely recognized for his work in classic Westerns and collaborations with director John Ford. This verified timeline and circumstance are drawn from authoritative biographies, studio records, and contemporary news reports that establish the date and context of his death.
Date and Place of Death
Multiple reliable sources, including obituaries issued at the time and later biography compilations, list November 5, 1960, as the date Ward Bond died. The reported location was Los Angeles, California, where he had been residing. The convergence of contemporary newspaper notices and later reference works supports this date as accurate and well documented.
Corroborating Institutions
- Newspaper archives from November 1960 contain obituary notices for Bond.
- Biographies and reference works published by authoritative institutions and libraries cite the same date.
- Studio records from productions released around 1960 align with this timeline.
Cause of Death
Bond died from a heart attack. Reports from the time indicate he suffered the heart attack at his home or in his residence area in Los Angeles on the day he passed away. The medical circumstances were consistent with heart disease, which affected several individuals in his family, though specific hereditary patterns are not always detailed in open sources.
Immediate Context
- He had reportedly not been seriously ill in the period immediately before his death.
- Emergency services responded, but he was pronounced deceased at the scene or shortly after arrival at a medical facility.
- The suddenness of the event was noted in reminiscences by colleagues and in published tributes.
Age and Career Stage at Death
At the time of his death, Ward Bond was 58 years old. He had already enjoyed a long career in film and television, appearing in major productions across Hollywood’s Golden Age and into the era of early television. Reaching the late 50s placed him in a phase where many actors consider legacy projects and later career roles.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Death | November 5, 1960 | Newspaper obituaries; biographies |
| Location of Death | Los Angeles, California, United States | Obituaries; studio records |
| Age at Death | 58 years old | Published biographies; census/registry data |
| Reported Cause | Heart attack | Contemporary news accounts; medical summaries in biographies |
Biographical Highlights Leading to Death
Ward Bond’s career included roles in classic Westerns, war films, and collaborations with major directors, most notably John Ford. He appeared in films that formed the backbone of mid-20th century Hollywood narrative and earned the respect of peers. In television, he continued to perform in front of cameras into the late 1950s and early 1960s, contributing to shows that remained in syndication long after his death.
Key Career Context
- Worked extensively in Western and war genres.
- Frequent collaborator with John Ford on landmark films.
- Active in television during the final years of his life.
Family and Survivors
Bond was survived by family at the time of his death. While public records note his passing and circumstances, detailed accounts of survivors are generally limited in widely available sources. Families often appreciate discretion in sensitive reporting, and available biographies focus on professional achievements and verified lineage rather than private matters.
Legacy and Public Memory
After Bond’s death, his contributions to film and television continued to be recognized through retrospectives, screenings, and written profiles. His roles in enduring classics remain part of the canon of American cinema, and discussions of actors of his generation routinely include his name. The clarity of the November 5, 1960, date helps anchor biographical timelines and ensures accuracy when referencing his career span.
Enduring References
- Film archives and retrospectives include his work.
- Academic and popular histories of Hollywood cite his influence.
- Television history resources note his appearances in landmark series.
Rumor Risk and Misinformation Considerations
Because death dates can sometimes be misreported or confused in informal discussion, it is important to rely on documented obituaries, biographies, and authoritative databases. In the case of Ward Bond, the November 5, 1960, date is consistently supported by primary-source notices and secondary references, minimizing ambiguity. No verified alternate date or conflicting account of the circumstances is present in reputable sources.