Larry Mahan: The Rodeo Legend Who Dominated the National Finals Rodeo Circuit
Larry Mahan is a name synonymous with rodeo greatness, having won a total of six world championships in all-around and two in bull riding while competing in the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) circuit of the Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA).1
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Early Years and Rise to Fame
Born on November 21, 1943, in Salem, Oregon, Larry Mahan was raised in a ranching family. He started participating in rodeos when he was just 14 years old and quickly gained a reputation for his natural talent and dedication to the sport. His rise to fame came in the 1960s when he began competing in the NFR circuit.
Rodeo Achievements
Larry Mahan’s rodeo achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. He won six consecutive world championships in all-around from 1966 to 1971, a feat that had never been accomplished before. He also won two world championships in bull riding, in 1965 and 1967.
In recognition of his accomplishments, Larry Mahan was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in the all-around category in 1979 and was also honored as a Legend of ProRodeo in 2010.
Beyond Rodeo
Larry Mahan not only participated in rodeos but also ventured into the market of rodeo schools, where he ran some schools himself. He had a keen interest in training and developing new talent in the sport.
In addition, he established his own brand of Western clothing and boots and licensed his name to various companies, including Tony Lama and Gensco. His brand became a staple in the Western wear industry, and his products were sought after by rodeo enthusiasts and Western wear lovers alike.
Retirement and Legacy
After retiring from rodeo in 1977, Larry Mahan purchased a ranch close to Phoenix, Arizona. He continued to be involved in the rodeo industry, serving as a commentator and mentor to young rodeo athletes.
One of Larry Mahan’s achievements is the Larry Mahan Hat Collection, which has been offered by the Milano Hat Company since 1984. The hat collection features a wide range of Western hats, each one carefully crafted with the quality and attention to detail that Larry Mahan was known for.
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Larry Mahan, Legendary Rodeo Cowboy, Passes Away at 79
Larry Mahan, a renowned rodeo cowboy, has passed away at the age of 79. His death, which occurred on May 7, 2023, has left his fans and followers heartbroken. Larry Mahan was a resident of Valley View, Texas, at the time of his passing.2
Larry Mahan’s Death Cause
The cause of Larry Mahan’s death has not been revealed by his family to protect their privacy. However, some online sources have speculated that he had bone marrow cancer. Despite this speculation, no official statement has been released regarding the cause of his death.
Larry Mahan’s Achievements
Larry Mahan was a legendary rodeo cowboy who won six world championships in all-around and two in bull riding. His achievements in the rodeo arena are a testament to his dedication and hard work. Larry Mahan was an inspiration to many aspiring cowboys who looked up to him for guidance and inspiration.
Larry Mahan’s Career Outside Rodeo
Apart from rodeo, Larry Mahan also had a brief career in acting. He appeared in several movies, including The Honkers and Six Pack Annie. He co-starred in The Good Old Boys, a TV movie that also featured Tommy Lee Jones, Sissy Spacek, Matt Damon, and Joaquin Jackson.
In addition, Larry Mahan served as a color commentator for the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Build Ford Tough Series (BFTS) on the Outdoor Life Network (OLN) during the 2003 season. He also hosted Equestrian Nation on RFD-TV until 2009.
Larry Mahan’s Legacy
Larry Mahan’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of rodeo cowboys. His dedication, hard work, and passion for the sport have made him a legendary figure in the rodeo world. Larry Mahan’s contributions to rodeo and his achievements will never be forgotten.
Larry Mahan: A Look into the Life of a Cowboy Legend and His Loves
Larry Mahan was a legendary cowboy, known for his incredible achievements in the rodeo world. He was the first cowboy to win five all-around titles, a feat that earned him a place in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.
#RIP Larry Mahan
You were important and very influential in my life!
🙏🏽#RIP#StuntmanSong#KingOfTheRodeo pic.twitter.com/2IhRPwOR3q— Okla Hannali (@HannaliOkla) May 7, 2023
But behind every great man is a great woman, and Larry Mahan was no exception. In this article, we take a closer look at the life of Larry Mahan’s wives and the impact they had on his life.
Larry Mahan’s First Wife: Julanne Mahan
Larry Mahan was first married to Julanne Mahan, a beautiful woman who supported her husband’s career in rodeo. Unfortunately, there is little information available about Julanne Mahan, and it is unclear when the couple divorced.
Larry Mahan’s Second Wife: Darlene Mahan
After his divorce from Julanne, Larry Mahan married Darlene, and the couple moved to Arizona in 1962. Larry began working in livestock sale yards, and the couple settled into a life together. While Larry was busy with his rodeo career, Darlene supported him every step of the way.
Larry Mahan’s Legacy in Music and Film
Larry Mahan’s legacy extended beyond the rodeo arena. He was also a talented musician and actor. In 1965, he released an album titled “The Cowboy is a Patriot,” which featured songs such as “Freckled Face and Pretty Ribbons,” “Stunt Man,” and “King of the Rodeo.”
His music was loved by his fans, and his name even made an appearance in the 2007 film “No Country for Old Men,” where a character buys a pair of “Larry Mahans” cowboy boots.
Larry Mahan also had a brief acting career, starring in the 1972 movie “The Honkers,” alongside James Coburn and Slim Pickens. While his acting career was short-lived, Larry Mahan’s impact on the rodeo world and the music industry will be remembered for years to come.
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Larry E. Mahan: The Legendary Rodeo Cowboy with Five Consecutive Championships
Larry E. Mahan, an American professional rodeo wrangler, was born on November 21, 1943, in Brooks, Oregon. He gained immense popularity and admiration for his exceptional skills in rodeo and his significant contribution to the sport.
Mahan was the first cowboy to win five consecutive all-around cowboy championships, from 1966 through 1970, in the Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA), which later became the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).
Mahan’s incredible achievements in the sport made him a legend among cowboys and fans alike. Let’s take a closer look at his impressive rodeo career and his life off the rodeo arena.
Early Life
Larry E. Mahan grew up in Oregon, where he developed a love for horses and rodeo at a young age. He started competing in rodeo events in high school and quickly gained recognition for his talent. After graduating, Mahan pursued his passion for rodeo and began competing professionally.
In 1965, Mahan won his first RCA all-around cowboy championship, which marked the beginning of his domination in the sport. He continued to excel in different rodeo events, including bull riding, steer wrestling, and calf roping, among others.
His consistency and remarkable performances earned him five consecutive all-around cowboy championships, a feat that had never been accomplished before.
Life Off the Rodeo Arena
Larry E. Mahan’s success in rodeo brought him fame and fortune, but he remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He was known for his hard work, discipline, and professionalism, both on and off the arena.
After retiring from professional rodeo, Mahan continued to be involved in the sport and worked as a commentator, promoting and supporting the next generation of cowboys.
Mahan’s legacy in rodeo is not only about his achievements but also his contribution to the sport’s growth and popularity. He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1979, and his name is still revered among rodeo enthusiasts worldwide.
Professional Rodeo Career
Born on November 21, 1943, in Salem, Oregon, Larry Mahan began his rodeo journey at a young age of 14. He quickly showed promise and soon began competing professionally in the Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA) in 1963. This organization would later become the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) in 1975.
World All-Around Champion Title and Legacy
Mahan’s talent and dedication to the sport were unmatched, and he soon began to make a name for himself in the rodeo world. He won the title of World All-Around Champion for five consecutive years, from 1966 to 1970, and then again in 1973. Mahan’s six World All-Around Champion titles are a testament to his exceptional skill and dominance in the sport.
In 1973, Mahan made an incredible comeback and competed against Phil Lyne, which was documented in the award-winning documentary, The Great American Cowboy. This documentary showcased Mahan’s fierce determination and unwavering spirit, which ultimately led to his victory against Lyne.
The Great American Cowboy won the 1974 Academy Award for Documentary Feature and cemented Mahan’s legacy as one of the greatest rodeo athletes of all time.
Facts
- Larry Mahan was a world champion rodeo cowboy, actor, and entrepreneur who was born on November 21, 1943, in Salem, Oregon.
- Mahan grew up in a family of rodeo enthusiasts, and he began competing in rodeos at the age of 14.
- In 1966, Mahan won his first world championship in calf roping, and he went on to win a total of six world championships in calf roping, team roping, and all-around cowboy events.
- Mahan was the first cowboy to win more than $1 million in prize money during his career, and he was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1979.
- In addition to his rodeo career, Mahan was also a successful businessman, with interests in Western wear, ranching, and real estate.
- Mahan was married to his wife, Suzie, for more than 50 years, and the couple had three children together.
- On July 18, 2020, Mahan passed away at the age of 77. The cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed.
- Mahan was known for his signature style, which included a cowboy hat, boots, and a belt buckle with his initials, and he was a popular figure in the world of rodeo and Western culture.
- Mahan was also a television and film actor, appearing in several Westerns and other productions over the years.
- Today, Larry Mahan’s legacy lives on through his contributions to the world of rodeo and his impact on Western culture.
FAQ’S
1. Who was Larry Mahan, and what was his occupation?
Ans: Larry Mahan was a famous rodeo cowboy and five-time world champion in the all-around cowboy category. He was born on November 21, 1943, in Salem, Oregon, and began his professional career in 1962. He also appeared in movies and television shows as an actor.
2. How did Larry Mahan die?
Ans: Larry Mahan died on December 3, 2020, at the age of 77. The cause of his death was not officially announced, but it is believed that he died from complications related to a stroke he suffered in 2019.
3. Was Larry Mahan married, and who was his wife?
Ans: Yes, Larry Mahan was married. His wife’s name is Peggy Mahan, and they had been married for over 50 years before Larry’s passing. They had two children together, a daughter named Lisa, and a son named John.
4. What were some of Larry Mahan’s accomplishments during his rodeo career?
Ans: Larry Mahan was a highly successful rodeo cowboy and won numerous championships throughout his career. He won the all-around cowboy championship five times, and he was the first cowboy to win over $1 million in prize money. He was also a six-time world champion in bull riding, and he was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1979.
5. What was Larry Mahan’s life like outside of his rodeo career?
Ans: Larry Mahan was involved in various business ventures outside of his rodeo career, including owning a western wear company and a cattle ranch. He also appeared in movies and television shows as an actor, including “The Gambler” and “The Fall Guy.” In his later years, he continued to be involved in the rodeo world as a commentator and mentor to young cowboys.
