Veteran Hollywood performer uses Paint Horses to make his dreams come true

FORT WORTH, TEXAS—Although veteran actor and stuntman Robert Keith has been involved in Hollywood productions for more than 30 years, he considers Rangers & Outlaws, a Texas Ranger Wild West adventure stunt show, his most rewarding venture. The production, held annually at Six Flags Over Texas theme park in Arlington, Texas, has attracted more than 1 million people over the past five years.

During that time, Keith has worked as creator, writer, director, stunt coordinator, manager and emcee for the popular show, which features American Paint Horses, pyrotechnic action, high falls and shootouts— all in the same arena. Keith, who previously worked on three Batman stunt shows for the theme park, was asked six years ago by management to produce a show that would portray Texas pride and attract crowds. He had just the idea.

“No one had done, to my knowledge, a true historical stunt show with all the many special effects and pyrotechnics that usually come with a stunt show,” said Keith. “The element of horses in a pyrotechnic action show is rare. It has been my most favorite dream that has come true.”

With the assistance of Ron West, writer for the now-syndicated Drew Carey Show, and Texan historian Terry Tex Toller, Keith developed a creative and entertaining show that attracts an audience of approximately 200,000 people during the show’s two-month run every year. Originally, Six Flags management had planned to retire the show after five years, but due to overwhelming success and requests from fans they brought the Wild West adventure back for a sixth year. Based on guest surveys, Rangers & Outlaws is the number-one rated show at the park.

The 20-minute live-action adventure of Paint Horses and cowboys takes the audience back to 1892 in Shafter, Texas, revealing the story of how the Texas Rangers fought to bring justice to the silver-mining town. At the beginning of each show, Paint Horses and riders carry the six flags that have flown over Texas— those of Spain, France, Mexico, Texas, the Confederacy and the United States of America.

The show is filled with non-stop action, including gunfights, stunts, a daring escape from a blazing hotel, and even a giant water tower explosion and silver mine calamity at the finalé.

The American Paint Horse Association has sponsored Rangers & Outlaws since 2001, providing all nine horses used in the action-packed show.

“Paints are different than all other breeds,” said Keith. “Their flashy color and ability to do the job is unmatched by others. They add zest to the show. We have nine Paints here…they are as big of a part of the show as any other cast member.”

Keith’s knowledge and ability to produce an award-winning show dates back to his career as a Hollywood actor and stuntman. From the late 1970s through the 1990s, Keith worked in feature films such as The Mask, and the television programs Beverly Hills 90210 and Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. He also produced his own action shows, held the lead in the Dueling Pirates show at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and served as vice president of production and entertainment for the Dixie Stampede, a theatrical production company that produces shows in several cities.

In his Hollywood years, Keith played opposite Johnny Cash and appeared with actors Bruce Boxlighter, Lee Horseley and Richard Dean Anderson, to name only a few.

Although Keith’s direction has led to the success of the Rangers & Outlaws show, he is quick to give credit to those who assisted him along way, including: Bruce Mather, Six Flags manager of entertainment, and Steve Calloway, Six Flags vice president and general manager.

More about Robert Keith
When Keith is not busy with Rangers & Outlaws, he operates his own production company, Live Action Productions. Keith and his team provide services in consulting, directing, designing and production. His work has taken him around the world producing and acting in various types of stunt shows. For more information about Live Action Productions visit liveactionproductions.com

More about APHA
Currently, American Paint Horses are being registered at APHA’s Fort Worth, Texas, headquarters at a rate of more than 40,000 horses each year. APHA has registered more than 860,000 horses in 49 nations and territories since it was founded 44 years ago, and now serves more than 100,000 active members around the world.

Among its many activities, APHA works to preserve bloodlines and maintain the outstanding characteristics of the American Paint Horse breed. For more information about APHA, contact the association at (817) 834-2742, or visit apha.com.

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