1

The Wild West was wild

Life in the West certainly wasn’t as chaotic and unruly as Hollywood would have us believe. Most of the challenges experienced by the people were those of any settler in a distant place: hard labor, harsh weather conditions, loneliness, petty thefts, and uncertainty. Dangerous conflicts certainly arose, but they were not a daily occurrence.

2

Gold was easily found

Beginning in the year 1848, gold discoveries inspired a series of rushes that contributed to the Westward expansion, but fewer people actually became rich from the so-called boom. Gold in large quantities was rare to come by , and the overpopulation of prospectors diminished the chances of gathering enough gold to make the labor worth it. In addition to this, shopkeepers demanded outrageous food prices, which consumed the little wealth that prospectors managed to gather.

3

Wild West towns were lawless

While they had their fair share of gunmen and robbers, towns in the Wild West had lower violence rates than big cities . Following the law was essential for the new settlements to thrive, and public order was maintained through the joint effort of marshals, sheriffs, Army soldiers, and private citizens. While the bad reputation of some towns was justified, they were the exception rather than the norm.

4

There was endless free land for the taking

The West was vast, but it was certainly occupied . Thousands of Native Americans were forcefully displaced, confined to reservations, or forced to assimilate to make way for those arriving. Many settlers were not aware of, nor complicit in this injustice —especially immigrants coming from afar— but others believed they were entitled to the land, even at the cost of native lives.

5

Everyone owned a gun

Pistols and rifles have become synonymous with the Wild West, but they weren’t as common as one might think. While they were a useful protection on the range or while travelling, they were usually forbidden in town , so cowboys and travellers had to check them in the sheriff’s office upon arrival.

6

Settlers and Native Americans fought constantly

Native Americans who were not displaced or confined to reservations were not necessarily hostile towards settlers. In fact, many of them were open to coexistence and trade with communities that didn’t pose a threat . The majority of their confrontations were with government forces, usually as a result of broken treaties and empty promises.

7

Cowboy hats were the norm

Stetsons, or cowboy hats, might be the quintessential headgear of the modern cowboy, but they were not the standard in the Wild West. Bowler hats, Army caps, and Mexican-style sombreros were far more common choices at the time. In fact, the Stetson brand wasn’t established until 1865.

8

Violence was the main cause of death

The Wild West was not as unruly as it is portrayed, and the chances of dying in a duel or a highway robbery were not as high as one would imagine. The main cause of death was disease , either caused by the harsh circumstances, the lack of sanitary conditions, or the spread of viruses and infections before the advent of modern medicine.

9

The Pony Express was the main communication service

The Pony Express and its riders revolutionized communication in the Wild West. Beginning operations in 1860, it reduced the travel time of messages between the East and West coasts to about ten days . However, its existence was short-lived: After merely 18 months of operations, the company went bankrupt when a telegraph line was established.

10

Banks in the Wild West were easy targets for robbers

Movie westerns would have us believe that bank robberies were a daily occurrence in the Wild West, but nothing could be further from the truth. Though there were heists carried out by famous outlaws, bank robberies were far from common , and train and stagecoach robberies were more likely to happen.

1

Marilyn Monroe (1926–1962)

The definitive blonde bombshell, the one and only Marilyn Monroe took the world by storm with her talent and breathtaking beauty during Hollywood’s Golden Age. And although the world will always remember her image and performance in classic films like Some Like It Hot (1959), her unforgettable smile often hid deep sadness.

The queen of glamour suffered from anxiety and substance abuse, and was very frustrated by the roles offered to her; her life came to a sudden end on August 5, 1962, at the age of 36, following an overdose.

2

Judy Garland (1922–1969)

When you think of Judy Garland, sweet, hopeful Dorothy Gale in 1939’s The Wizard of Oz immediately comes to mind. Just 17 when the film was released, her career as an actress and gifted singer was off to a fantastic start, and her future looked bright.

But the studio system repeatedly pressured Garland with strict dieting and the use of stimulants and sedatives when working as a young performer. Later in life, she struggled with mental illness and financial problems. Garland was 47 when she passed away in London on June 22, 1969, after an overdose.

3

James Dean (1931–1955)

What James Dean achieved in just five years in the movie industry is mind-blowing. In the 1950s, Dean was one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood; he was the cool young heartthrob who became a symbol of rebellion after the smash hit Rebel Without a Cause (1955).

But at the peak of his career, he had a car crash while driving his Porsche 550 Spyder in California and was killed at age 24.

4

John Candy (1950–1994)

John Candy’s warm and funny characters have a special place in Hollywood history, and his death still feels unfair. Born in Ontario, Canada, in 1950, Candy became a major comedy star thanks to classics like Trains & Automobiles (1987), Uncle Buck (1989), and The Great Outdoors (1988).

And while he still had so much to offer, on March 4, 1994, he suffered a sudden heart attack while filming Wagons East! (1994) and died at the age of 43.

5

Robin Williams (1951–2014)

Robin Williams always inspires a bittersweet smile. A genius comedian who could make audiences crack up with a funny accent or an impish smile — with real dramatic chops, too —  Williams starred in classics like Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) and brought us to tears with his outstanding performance in movies like Good Will Hunting (1997).

But behind the hilarious comedian, Robin struggled with depression and substance dependence, as well as Lewy body disease. He died by suicide on August 11, 2014, at the age of 63.

6

Patrick Swayze (1952–2009)

Patrick Swayze made movie history in classics like Dirty Dancing (1987) and Ghost (1990). Swayze’s energetic performances and his image as the romantic, tough heartthrob have a lasting legacy.

He was nominated three times for the Golden Globes (1997, 1990, and 1995). Sadly, in 2008, Swayze announced he had pancreatic cancer and passed away 20 months later on September 14, 2009, at the age of 57.

7

River Phoenix (1970–1993)

The older brother of the Oscar-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix, River Phoenix was considered one of the most promising young actors of his generation. His ticket to stardom came with Stand by Me (1986) when he was just 16 years old, and from there, his reputation took off with movies like Running on Empty (1988) and My Own Private Idaho (1991).

But when he was riding high in Hollywood, Phoenix lost his life at just 23, outside the Viper Room nightclub in Los Angeles on October 31, 1993, from acute multiple drug intoxication.

8

Chris Farley (1964–1997)

Starting out in Chicago’s Second City comedy troupe and later joining Saturday Night Live in 1990, Chris Farley knew exactly how to get a laugh out of the audience with memorable characters like motivational speaker Matt Foley.

He became a major comedy star and made it to the big screen in movies like Tommy Boy (1995) and Black Sheep (1996). But behind the laughter, Farley struggled with substance use. He lost his life due to an overdose in 1997 when he was just 33 years old.

9

Heath Ledger (1979–2008)

Heath Ledger remains one of the most respected actors in Hollywood, and his performances are widely remembered, especially his final turn in The Dark Knight (2008), in which he gave a masterful portrayal of Batman’s most iconic villain, the Joker — considered by many to be the best portrayal of the character ever.

Ledger was found dead in his apartment at the age of 28 from an accidental overdose. Thirteen months later, he won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor posthumously for his performance.

10

Jonathan Brandis (1976–2003)

Jonathan Brandis rose to fame after he played the courageous Bill Denbrough in the 1990 television miniseries It , based on Stephen King’s novel, though he had also previously starred in The NeverEnding Story II (1990).

Brandis was a teen heartthrob with a seemingly bright future, but his career opportunities started to dry up as he got older. He struggled with severe depression and heavy drinking, and took his own life on November 12, 2003, at the age of 27.

1

Tipping is expected, not optional

In the U.S., leaving a tip is considered part of the cost of the meal, not a bonus . Diners typically add 15 to 20 percent to the bill, especially in full-service restaurants.

This practice exists because many servers earn lower base wages and depend on tips. In many other countries, service charges are already included in the bill, making the American system feel unusual or even confusing.

2

Free refills are the norm

Many American restaurants offer unlimited refills on soft drinks, iced tea, and coffee . Once you order a beverage, it often keeps coming at no extra cost.

Elsewhere, each drink is typically billed separately, and refills are rarely free. For visitors to the U.S., this can feel surprisingly generous compared to their dining experiences at home.

3

Ice comes with everything

In the U.S., drinks are often served filled with ice, whether it’s soda, water, or even juice . It’s considered a refreshing standard, especially in warmer climates.

In many other countries, ice is used sparingly or avoided altogether. Some people prefer drinks at room temperature, making the American preference for ice stand out immediately.

4

Portions are huge

American restaurant portions are known for their size. Many meals are large enough to serve more than one person or to provide leftovers for later .

In contrast, other countries tend to serve smaller, more balanced portions. The American approach reflects a culture of abundance, but it can be unexpected for first-time visitors.

5

Taking leftovers home is typical

Asking for a take-home container, also known as a "doggy bag," is a normal part of dining in the U.S. Restaurants are prepared for it, and many people expect to leave with leftovers.

In some countries, this practice is less common or even discouraged. The American "doggy bag" reflects both larger portion sizes and a practical approach to reducing food waste.

6

Waiters check in frequently

In the U.S., servers often return to the table several times during a meal . They may ask how everything tastes, refill drinks, or check whether anything else is needed.

While meant to be attentive, this can feel intrusive to foreign visitors. In many other cultures, less interruption is preferred, and diners typically signal the server only when necessary.

7

Customizing your order is normal

In the U.S., it's common to request changes to a dish, such as removing ingredients or adding extras . Restaurants are usually flexible and expect these requests.

In other parts of the world, altering a menu item may be frowned upon. The American habit reflects a strong emphasis on personal choice and individual preferences.

8

Tap water is served automatically

In American restaurants, a glass of tap water is often brought to the table without being requested . It is typically free and refilled throughout the meal.

In many other countries, bottled water is the default and must be ordered separately.

9

Meals tend to move quickly

Dining in the U.S. often follows a faster pace. Food arrives quickly, and the bill may be brought shortly after the meal is finished .

In contrast, in many other cultures, meals are meant to be long, relaxed experiences. The American approach reflects efficiency and a faster daily rhythm.

10

Splitting the bill is common

In the U.S., restaurants commonly allow separate checks , making it easy for each person to pay their share. This is especially helpful in group settings.

In many other countries, splitting the bill can be more complicated or is actively discouraged. The American system emphasizes convenience and individual responsibility at the table.

11

Sweet foods are common at breakfast

Breakfast in the U.S. often includes sweet items such as pancakes, waffles, pastries, or cereal, alongside eggs, bacon, and toast. Syrup and sugar are common additions at the start of the day.

In many other countries, breakfasts tend to be exclusively savory, featuring foods like bread, cheese, or eggs. The American preference for sweetness can feel like a treat to visitors.

12

Dining is generally casual

While there are many exceptions at five-star, fine dining establishments, American dining culture is typically relaxed, with fewer formal rules about dress or behavior . People often eat out in casual clothing and informal settings.

In other countries, meals, especially dinner, can be more formal events. The American style reflects a focus on comfort rather than tradition.