Reuben Cogburn



Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn was the main protagonist in the novel True Grit, as well as the 1969 film adaptation and its subsequent sequels Rooster Cogburn and True Grit: A Further Adventure, as well as the Coen brothers' 2010 remake of the original film.

Cogburn is a US Marshall who was hired by Mattie Ross to find her father's killer, Tom Chaney. He has an ex-wife and son. In the remake, his claim of men killed as a US Marshall is 12-15, possibly 23, when testifying in court. He is not a particularly good speller. In the film he overcomes he drunkeness and stubborn pride to bond with Mattie Ross, and eventually destroy most of Lucky Ned Pepper's gang, helping Mattie

He served with the Confederacy in the American Civil War,1861-1865. He apparently rode with William Quantrill and "Bloody" Bill Anderson in Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas, presumably. Rooster is working with Cole Younger and Frank James's Wild West Show when on August 12th, 1903 he passes away, of some unknown ailment. In the remake his tombstone reveals his birthday as July 15th, 1825.

Rooster favors his Colt Navy "Sixes". He is seen using a Single Action Army revolver, and a Winchester Repeater.

In the original 1969 film True Grit and its sequel in 1975, Cogburn was portrayed by John Wayne, who won an Academy Award for Best Actor because of the role in the 1969 film. In True Grit: A Further Adventure, Cogburn was portrayed by Warren Oates. The 2010 remake of the original film featured Jeff Bridges as Cogburn, who was also nominated for an Academy Award.