ELVIS Presley was known around the world as the King of Rock and Roll.
But the talented singer, who tragically died aged just 42, was actually an accomplished movie star.
Elvis Presley starred in 31 movies – seen here in Jailhouse Rock in 1957
What films was Elvis Presley in?
Elvis Aaron Presley was born January 8, 1935 and hit the big time with his song Heartbreak Hotel in 1956.
He was Regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, he is often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll” or simply “The King”.
But some may not know that Elvis actually starred in a whopping 31 films between 1956 and 1972.
The King sings in all of the movies, and he ALWAYS gets the girl.
- Love Me Tender (1956) Elvis played Clint Reno and the movie is about two brothers who are in love with the same woman.
- Jailhouse Rock (1957) He played Vince Everett and in the movie Elvis learns to play the guitar while in prison and becomes a star.
- Loving You (1957) The star played Deke Rivers who is a small-town country boy who is discovered and makes it big as a singer.
- King Creole (1958) The King played Danny Fisher. The movie was Elvis’ favourite film and sees his character become a night-club singer who gets drawn into the criminal world.
- Flaming Star (1960) For this movie Elvis played Pacer Burton and see all of the songs played in the first ten minutes.
- G.I. Blues (1960) Elvis played Tulsa McLean – a guitar-playing soldier stationed in West Germany who makes a bet that he can date a cabaret dancer.
- Blue Hawaii (1961) – For this film he played Chad Gates, who is a soldier and returns to Hawaii to work with a tourist agency.
- Wild in the Country (1961) Elvis’s character was Glenn Tyler, who was a young Southern man from a troubled family.
- Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962) As the title suggests, Elvis’s character Ross Carpenter is chased by many beautiful girls.
- Follow That Dream (1962) Elvis played Toby Kwimper and follows him and his hillbilly family as they try to homestead on a Florida beach.
- Kid Galahad (1962) The star’s role was Walter Gulick, a talented boxer who would rather stay a garage mechanic.
- Fun in Acapulco (1963) Elvis played Mike Windgren who is a lifeguard and entertainer at this beachfront resort in the beautiful Mexican city.
- It Happened at the World’s Fair (1963) For this movie he played Mike Edwards, and saw Kurt Russell makes his screen debut.
- Kissin’ Cousins (1963) Elvis played two roles – Josh Morgan and Jodie Tatum – who were an Air Force lieutenant and a blond country boy.
- Roustabout (1964) The King took on the role of Charlie Rogers who is a singer who joins a carnival as a hired hand.
- Viva Las Vegas (1964) Elvis is a race-car driver called Lucky Jackson.
- Girl Happy (1965) He played Rusty Wells and the film sees a Chicago mobster sends Elvis’ character to Fort Lauderdale during spring break as a chaperon to his daughter.
- Harum Scarum (1965) Elvis’ role Johnny Tyronne is a film star visiting the Middle East.
- Paradise Hawaiian Style (1965) Elvis is a helicopter pilot called Rick Richards who runs a charter service.
- Tickle Me (1965) Elvis’ character Lonnie Beale is employed at an all-female health ranch.
- Frankie and Johnny (1966) He played the co-title role of Johnny, who is a Mississippi riverboat gambler with a roving eye. Donna Douglas plays Frankie.
- Spinout (1966) Once again his character Mike McCoy races cars and has three different women after him.
- Clambake (1967) Elvis played Scott Hayward, the son of a millionaire who trades places with a water-ski instructor in order to find a woman who loves him and not his money.
- Double Trouble (1967) Elvis is a pop singer called Guy Lambert who tours in England and gets caught up in the life of a teenage heiress.
- Easy Come, Easy Go (1967) The singer plays Navy frogman Ted Jackson, who dives in search of buried treasure.
- Live a Little, Love a Little (1968) Elvis plays a photographer called Greg Nolan who picks up two high-paying jobs at the same time and must divide his time between offices.
- Speedway (1968) Elvis is behind the wheel of a race car again playing the part of Steve Grayson.
- Stay Away, Joe (1968) One again the King plays the title tole of Joe Lightcloud.
- Charro! (1969) Taking on the part of Jess Wade in this Western, this film was seen as a more serious role for Elvis.
- The Trouble With Girls (1969) Elvis’s character Walter Hale manages a troupe of entertainers in the 1920s
- Change of Habit (1970) Elvis plays Dr. John Carpenter who helps the poor in his clinic.
- Elvis – That’s the Way It Is (1970) The first of two live-concert films shows Elvis in his preparation for his night-club act and an opening-night concert in Las Vegas.
- Elvis on Tour (1972) This second concert film follows Elvis performing at a number of U.S. concerts.
What TV shows was Elvis on?
During his time in the spotlight, Elvis made 15 high profile national TV appearances.
He appeared multiple times on Stage Show, hosted by Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey.
Elvis was also a favourite on NBC’s The Milton Berle Show.
Steve Allen featured Elvis on his NBC variety show, while Ed Sullivan signed Elvis for three legendary appearances on his CBS Sunday night show.
When did Elvis Presley die?
Elvis died on August 16, 1977 at his beloved Graceland mansion in Memphis.
He was found in the bathroom, face down in front of the toilet.
Doctors said he died of a heart attack, likely brought on by his addiction to prescription barbiturates.
The showstopping entertainer was suffering at the time from liver damage, high blood pressure, an enlarged colon and emphysema.
