1

Edna Foster and Edith Storey (1911)

Even just thirty years after his death, the figure of Billy the Kid was so legendary that films were already being produced based on his life. The first two, both silent shorts, date from 1911 and share an intriguing peculiarity: both star women.

Billy the Kid was directed by Laurence Trimble and is very loosely based on the life of the famous outlaw. It is, however, believed to be a lost film. Edith Storey , an American actress who had played male characters in films such as Oliver Twist , stars as "the Kid."

The Adventures of Billy , on the other hand, was directed by the great pioneer American motion-picture director D. W. Griffith. In this film, the role of Billy is played by American child actress Edna Foster.

2

Johnny Mack Brown (1930)

American college football player and film actor John Mack Brown was the first to play Billy the Kid in the talkies. He was directed by none other than the great film director and producer King Vidor in 1930's Billy the Kid . This film is a pre-Code Western and tells the story of Billy's escape after avenging his boss and the subsequent manhunt by Sheriff Pat Garret.

Johnny Mack Brown had started his career by appearing in a few minor films until he got his big break with this movie. Unfortunately, his career in mainstream cinema did not flourish, leading him to transition into low-budget Westerns. Eventually, he found significant success as a B-movie cowboy , becoming a beloved figure in the genre.

3

Jack Buetel (1943)

Jack Buetel was an inexperienced actor when tycoon Howard Hughes cast him in his next film, The Outlaw , in 1940. Buetel signed a seven-year contract after Hughes promised him that he would make him a star.

The film faced many difficulties. It wasn’t immediately approved due to its erotic scenes, and although it was officially released in 1943, it was not until 1946 that the public was able to finally see it. Produced during the golden age of the genre, The Outlaw is considered a psychological Western. However, it was not well received by the critics of the time, and Buetel's work was especially bashed. After this, Hughes refused to allow Buetel to participate in other films, and his career never really took off.

4

Paul Newman (1958)

Paul Newman is one of the most celebrated actors of the 20th century and is best known for his roles in several classic Westerns. But did you know that the first Western character Paul Newman portrayed was Billy the Kid? In the mid-1950s, Newman was cast to replace James Dean in The Left Handed Gun after Dean's untimely death. This was the beginning of a series of films about the Old West that the beloved American actor would play throughout his career.

Based on a teleplay by Gore Vidal and directed by Arthur Penn, The Left Handed Gun departs from the classic genre iconography to present the famous bandit much closer to the rebellious and tormented antiheroes of the era. Thus, in this film, the characters are complex and nuanced, questioning and revising the traditional portrayal of the savage outlaw.

5

Clu Gulager (1960 - 1962)

The first television series about Billy the Kid was The Tall Man , which aired on NBC from September 10, 1960, to September 1, 1962. Although we all know that the real story ends with Billy being killed by Pat Garrett, this light-hearted action series focuses on the duo's alleged happier days, when they had more of a father-and-son relationship.

Clu Gulager, born in Oklahoma and the son of a cowboy entertainer, plays Billy. Although he was already 32 years old when cast, the actor earned his well-deserved place in the role. After the success of this series, Gulager worked in other Westerns and later had a second career as a horror film actor. His last appearance on the big screen was in 2019, in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

6

Geoffrey Deuel (1970)

While this is not a film specifically about Billy the Kid's life, he does appear as a supporting character. Starring the legendary John Wayne, Chisum tells the story of the 1878 Lincoln County War, an Old West conflict between rival factions involving some famous gunslingers, including William H. Bonney, better known as Billy the Kid.

In this film, Geoffrey Deuel plays Billy the Kid. Although he had already participated in some television series, Chisum was his debut on the big screen.

7

Kris Kristofferson (1973)

Kris Kristofferson is best known for his career as a country musician and his appearance in the 1976 version of A Star is Born alongside Barbra Streisand. But did you know he also portrayed Billy the Kid? In 1973, he was cast in the revisionist Western film Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid , directed by Sam Peckinpah.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Kristofferson's involvement in this film is that he introduced Bob Dylan to the director. Dylan was initially hired to write the title song, but ended up composing the whole score and even played the role of "Alias." Among the songs Dylan wrote for the film was the iconic "Knockin' on Heaven's Door."

8

Val Kilmer (1989)

American writer Gore Vidal was not pleased with the adaptation of his teleplay for The Left Handed Gun , so he decided to produce his own version. The resulting TV movie premiered on TNT in May 1989, with Val Kilmer cast as Billy the Kid.

Kilmer's version of Billy the Kid is a bit friendlier than his predecessors. He was also the right age for the character, making Gore Vidal's Billy the Kid one of the most historically rigorous accounts of the outlaw's life.

After this film, Val Kilmer's career continued to grow, with standout roles in The Doors and Batman Forever . Billy the Kid wasn’t the only gunslinger he portrayed—Kilmer also famously played Doc Holliday in the 1993 film Tombstone .

9

Dane DeHaan (2019)

American actor Dane DeHaan portrays Billy the Kid in the 2019 film The Kid , alongside Ethan Hawke as lawman Pat Garrett. The physical resemblance between DeHaan—a younger Leonardo DiCaprio lookalike—and the real William H. Bonney is striking, making the Vincent D'Onofrio-directed film not only a fresh take but also one of the closest onscreen renditions of the mythical character.

In an interview, DeHaan said that he accepted the role because he thought it was a very interesting character to play. He also explained that he considered Billy the Kid a victim of the media and explained that the film aims to depict the harsh realities of the Wild West, where survival often drove people to desperate and terrible actions.

10

Tom Blyth (2022 - )

The most recent version of Billy the Kid is played by Tom Blyth, a 29-year-old English actor from Birmingham. Blyth plays the infamous outlaw in the television series Billy the Kid, which premiered on MGM+ in April 2022. Produced by Michael Hirst, the English producer behind hits like The Tudors and Vikings , the series was renewed for a third and final season in 2024.

To prepare for this character, Blyth didn't just read a ton of books about Billy's story; he felt the need to do something more tangible to get into the skin of the famous outlaw. He traveled to Arizona, rented a car, and began a 7-day pilgrimage around New Mexico visiting all the places William H. Bonney had once been. He even visited his grave! His intention was to make the character more palpable and real as opposed to this exaggerated image of the mythical character we are used to.

1

Mojave Desert

Image: Paulius Dragunas

The possibility of being stranded in the desert has always terrified humankind. Can you imagine being completely alone in the harsh and unforgiving heat? Luckily, nowadays it’s extremely difficult to get lost in the Mojave Desert . However, that doesn’t mean visiting this gorgeous landscape isn’t a demanding endeavor.

The Mojave Desert spans four different western states and is crossed by the Colorado and Mojave rivers. One of its most famous locations is the area known as Death Valley , the point of lowest elevation in North America and the hottest place on Earth during the summer.

2

Mount Rainier

Image: Taylor

Also known as Tahoma, Mount Rainier National Park is located approximately 59 miles from Seattle. As you might guess, the main attraction of this park is the titular Mount Rainier, the highest mountain in the state of Washington and a formidable challenge for daring adventurers.

Mount Rainier’s official summit elevation is 14,410 feet, and it is one of the most popular climbing spots in the world. That doesn’t mean it is an easy climb—quite the contrary, in fact. In order to reach the summit, climbers must traverse glaciers similar to those found in southern Alaska. Of the approximately 11,000 climbers who attempt to summit Mount Rainier each year, only about 50% succeed.

3

Gates of the Arctic National Park

Image: Sauvage

The northernmost park in the United States, Gates of the Arctic National Park, is definitely hard to reach. In fact, it is the least visited park in the country due to its remoteness and lack of infrastructure.

In any case, camping and hiking are allowed in the park, though they are not for the faint of heart. The extreme temperatures, with an annual minimum average of −42.6 °F, make it a challenging yet alluring landscape for those seeking adventure.

4

Glacier National Park

Image: Michael Kirsh

While Montana’s Glacier National Park offers recreational opportunities for people of all ages, including kayaking, fly fishing, and hiking, many tourists visit the park seeking a more thrilling experience. They aren’t disappointed, as the park features numerous climbing challenges, including five peaks over 10,000 feet .

However, we recommend visiting during the tourist season. In winter, temperatures can plummet, with a historical low of -38°F. Additionally, the area is prone to sudden temperature changes, which can pose challenges for adventurers.

5

Lake Clark National Park

Image: Clayton Manche

Much like Glacier National Park, Lake Clark is not necessarily a severe environment during the tourist season. It offers a variety of recreational activities, ranging from bird-watching to more thrilling pursuits like kayaking and rafting. However, the extremely low temperatures and intense snowfall make this park much harsher during the winter months.

With a record-low temperature of -18°F, Lake Clark becomes inhospitable during the colder months. Not only that, but the park is not accessible by roads; only air taxis and boats can reach it.

6

Big Bend National Park

Image: Simon Hurry

As with many other parks on this list, we should start with a small disclaimer: Don’t be discouraged from visiting Big Bend National Park . Not that you need our warning—after all, half a million tourists enjoy the park's magnificence every year. However, a point should be made that the harsh desert conditions of Big Bend do provide a challenge that should not be overlooked.

According to Search & Rescue team reports, 1 in 1,000 visitors requires assistance of some kind. Although most of this assistance is not life-threatening (often involving mild dehydration), it highlights the importance of taking necessary precautions when visiting the park.

7

Rocky Mountain National Park

Image: Michael Kirsh

Located in the heart of Colorado , Rocky Mountain National Park offers unmatched views of the stunning Rocky Mountains, as well as numerous alpine lakes and lush forests that completely surround the park. However, there are many hazards you should be aware of if you plan to visit this beautiful location.

Visitors should be cautious of steep cliffs, falling rocks, cold temperatures, and adverse snow conditions. Additionally, the area is infamous for its recurring wildfires, so campers must be careful not to leave anything that might increase the risk of fire.

8

Great Basin National Park

Image: Shawn Powar

The arid beauty of Great Basin National Park is truly second to none. Although it is located in a desert area , the plants and vegetation have majestically adapted to the dry climate. With that in mind, you can also adapt and thoroughly enjoy this park if you keep these safety suggestions in mind.

We’ll mention just some of the safety tips recommended by the National Park Service for visiting Great Basin: For starters, remember that cell phone service is limited, so don’t rely entirely on your phone. Also, be mindful of sun exposure and take precautions to avoid sunburn and dehydration. One last thing: Like all desserts, heat is not the only concern. The park’s temperature drops significantly at night, so try to not be caught in the open when the sun goes down.

9

Voyageurs National Park

Image: Tim Umphreys

Located in northern Minnesota, right on the border with Canada, Voyageurs National Park was named after the French-Canadian fur traders who frequently traveled the area. It is particularly famous for its many lakes , which offer activities like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

However, there are a few dangers that boaters should be aware of, such as the many hazardous rocks hidden in the water. Additionally, during the winter season, many visit the park to engage in snowmobiling, which must be practiced carefully to avoid any soft spots.

10

Kobuk Valley National Park

Image: Adrià Masi

Kobuk Valley National Park is as massive as it is undeveloped. Although the park is larger than the state of Delaware, there are no roads leading to it , nor any internal roads or trails within the park. Visitors must arrive by air taxi, weather permitting, and bring all their gear and supplies if they intend to backpack, camp, or boat.

Not only that, the weather conditions in the park can be extreme, even during the summer, and are completely unpredictable. In any case, as with all the other parks in this article, we don’t want to dissuade you from visiting Kobuk Valley if you choose to. We simply want to emphasize the importance of keeping safety a paramount priority during your trip.

1

Colonel Sanders

Image: Aleks Dorohovich

Colonel Sanders, the iconic KFC mascot, is based on Harland Sanders, the chain's founder . He received the honorary title of "Colonel" from Kentucky's governor in 1935.

Sanders embraced the persona, adopting a white suit, goatee, and bow tie, creating the famous image that still represents KFC today.

2

Energizer bunny

Image: Jerry Wang

The Energizer Bunny debuted in 1988 as a parody of Duracell’s "Drumming Bunny." Designed with sunglasses, flip-flops, and a bigger drum, it stood out as a bold contrast to its competitor’s mascot.

The campaign grew into a long-running success, and, obviously, a trademark battle followed, ultimately ending with Energizer securing exclusive rights to the pink bunny in the U.S. and Canada.

3

GEICO gecko

Image: Hunter Masters

The GEICO Gecko debuted in 1999 during an actors' strike, when live talent was unavailable. The idea stemmed from people mispronouncing "GEICO" as "Gecko," inspiring a quick lizard doodle during a brainstorming session.

In his first ad, the Gecko held a press conference asking people to stop confusing him with the company. The quirky concept quickly became a memorable and enduring mascot.

4

Jolly Green Giant

Image: Jun Weng

The Jolly Green Giant began in 1925 with the Minnesota Valley Canning Company’s "Green Giant" peas. The original mascot was a stern, fairy tale–like figure.

In 1936, ad legend Leo Burnett redesigned him with a leafy toga and a friendly smile, making him "jolly." The company later adopted the Green Giant name, and the mascot became a lasting icon.

5

Pillsbury Doughboy

Image: Sonia Nadales

The Pillsbury Doughboy, named Poppin' Fresh, was created in 1965 by ad copywriter Rudy Perz. The idea came to him as he imagined a dough character popping out of a can in his kitchen .

First seen in stop-motion animation, the Doughboy became a cheerful brand icon, starring in over 600 commercials since his debut.

6

Chester Cheetah

Image: Erik Mclean

Chester Cheetah became the face of Cheetos in 1986, replacing the original Cheetos Mouse. He debuted as a cool, animated cartoon character in TV ads.

Known for his smooth voice, catchy rhymes, and laid-back style, the character is depicted as a "cool cat" with a strong craving for Cheetos.

7

Kool-Aid Man

Image: Fotografía de Alimentos

The Kool-Aid Man, a smiling pitcher of Kool-Aid, evolved from earlier iterations and became the brand’s mascot after General Foods acquired the company in the 1950s. He quickly stood out in ads with his dramatic entrances.

Known for crashing through walls and shouting "Oh yeah!", this mascot became instantly recognizable.

8

Tony the Tiger

Image: Dom .

Tony the Tiger has been the mascot for Frosted Flakes since 1952, known for his upbeat catchphrase, "They’re gr-r-reat!" and his iconic presence on cereal boxes. He has also represented other cereals, such as Tony’s Cinnamon Krunchers.

9

Planters

Image: aboodi vesakaran

Mr. Peanut was created in 1916 by Antonio Gentile, a schoolboy who entered a design contest held by Planters. His original drawing featured a peanut with arms, legs, and a cane .

A commercial artist later refined the character by adding a top hat, monocle, and spats , transforming it into the classic Mr. Peanut mascot we know today.

10

Mr. Clean

Image: Clay Banks

Mr. Clean was created in 1957 by an ad agency for Procter & Gamble. Originally conceived as a genie, he evolved into a muscular, bald man dressed in white, sporting an earring and folded arms. Inspired by a Navy sailor, he became a symbol of powerful cleaning.

11

Toucan Sam

Image: Zoshua Colah

Toucan Sam, the colorful blue-and-orange mascot for Froot Loops, was created in 1963. Known for his catchphrase, "Follow my nose!" and his ability to "smell" Froot Loops from afar, Sam’s voice and design have evolved over time, making him a beloved cereal icon.

12

Ronald McDonald

Image: Erik Mclean

Ronald McDonald first appeared in 1963 in local TV ads in Washington, D.C., portrayed by actor Willard Scott. He was created by the Oscar Goldstein ad agency.

In 1965, McDonald's expanded Ronald’s role to national commercials with a slightly altered look. He became a key figure in McDonaldland, interacting with other characters . Over time, Ronald’s image and advertising style evolved, with updates to his outfit and overall presence.