Biography

Four years after appearing with Gene Autry on a national radio show in 1932 he went to Hollywood. By that time he Max was a skilled vaudevillian (magician, juggler, whistler, impressionist, card tricks). His specialty was ventriloquism. On the Orpheum Circuit his dummy was named Skully Null; he became Elmer Sneezeweed in the movies. His debut was in Ride, Ranger, Ride (1936) in 1936, the same year he took over the part of Lullaby in the "Three Mesquiteer" series. He played the part in 21 films, leaving in 1939. After that he did 24 "Range Buster" pictures, co-starred in Ken Maynard's last picture and co-starred eight times with Johnny Mack Brown. He played a doctor in Giant (1956). After leaving movies he continued to appear in television shows such as Ramar of the Jungle (1952). He died in Cottonwood, AZ.
- IMDb mini biography by: Ed Stephan <stephan@cc.wwu.edu>

Listed as one of the 'top ten' money-making western films stars of 1937, 1938 and 1939.

Three Children: daughter, Doris Maxine Terhune, two sons, Roltaire Terhune and Bob Terhune (Robert Max Terhune Jr.).

As an expert card manipulator, Max was signed up to double Clark Gable's hands for a close-up card scene in the movie The King and Four Queens (1956).

An original "backup copy" of Max's dummy, Elmer, now resides (and can be seen) at the Vent Haven Museum, 33 West Maple, Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. This version of Elmer was used in performances.