Top 50 Best Western Movie Actors Of All Time

Clint Eastwood is a highly acclaimed actor and filmmaker, known for his remarkable contributions to cinema. He stands out as one of the early Hollywood stars who made the anti-hero persona not only popular but also iconic.

Renowned for his Western films, Eastwood achieved international fame and became an enduring symbol of American culture. His most celebrated Westerns include A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, Unforgiven, Hang 'Em High, Pale Rider, and Cry Macho, among others.

Beyond his Westerns, Eastwood has starred in and directed many outstanding films such as the Dirty Harry series, Where Eagles Dare, Letters From Iwo Jima, Million Dollar Baby, Space Cowboys, Changeling, and Invictus.

Robert Duvall is a renowned actor and filmmaker celebrated for his exceptional talent and versatility, earning an Academy Award win along with six additional nominations.

Over his distinguished career, Duvall has received multiple accolades, including four Golden Globe Awards, a BAFTA Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

He has made a significant impact on the Western genre, with memorable performances in films such as Lonesome Dove, True Grit, Joe Kidd, and Broken Trail. Beyond Westerns, Duvall's impressive filmography includes classics like To Kill a Mockingbird, Bullitt, Tender Mercies, M*A*S*H*, The Godfather series, Network, Colors, Apocalypse Now, The Judge, Widows, and more.

Kevin Costner is a renowned actor, director, and producer whose career has significantly shaped the Western genre. He earned two Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director for his masterpiece, "Dances With Wolves," a landmark film in modern Western cinema.

Throughout his career, Kevin has starred in and directed several box-office successes. While he's known for sports dramas, his most acclaimed work remains his contributions to Western movies.

Some of his standout Westerns include "Dances With Wolves," "Wyatt Earp," "Open Range," "Hatfields & McCoys," the series "Yellowstone," and "Silverado," all of which showcase his deep affinity for the genre.

Jeff Bridges is a renowned actor whose impressive body of work includes a range of unforgettable roles in Western films. With each performance, he brings depth and authenticity to the characters that have helped define the genre for modern audiences.

Bridges gained critical acclaim for his portrayal of Rooster Cogburn in the 2010 film "True Grit." As the tough, weathered U.S. Marshal, his commanding presence and nuanced acting earned him an Academy Award nomination and solidified his place in Western film history.

Earlier in his career, Bridges captivated audiences as Jake Rumsey in the 1972 Western "Bad Company." In this film, he plays a young man swept up in the unpredictable life of outlaws, once again demonstrating his impressive range.

He also appeared in the ambitious Western "Heaven's Gate" (1980), a film remembered as much for its controversy as for its grand scale. Across decades, Jeff Bridges's compelling performances have left a significant mark on Western cinema, confirming his status as one of the genre's most memorable actors.

Tommy Lee Jones is a renowned actor and director, best known for winning an Academy Award for his performance in "The Fugitive."

He has received four additional Academy Award nominations, showcasing his impressive range and talent. Born in Texas, Jones is a lifelong supporter of rodeo sports and has been honored with inductions into both the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Hall of Great Western Performers.

While Jones is highly regarded for his roles in political thrillers, action films, and psychological dramas, he has also delivered memorable performances in several acclaimed westerns and neo-westerns.

Some of his most notable western works include "No Country for Old Men," "Lonesome Dove," "The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada," "The Good Old Boys," and "The Missing."

Kirk Douglas was a celebrated actor and film producer whose illustrious career spanned from the 1950s onward. Renowned for his commanding screen presence, he became one of Hollywood's most enduring stars.

Douglas was nominated for three Academy Awards for his performances in Champion, The Bad and the Beautiful, and Lust for Life. In 1996, he received the Honorary Academy Award, honoring his lifelong contributions to cinema.

Some of his most memorable roles can be found in classic films such as Spartacus, Ace in the Hole, and The Final Countdown. These performances helped solidify his status as a Hollywood legend.

Douglas also left his mark on the Western genre with notable films like There Was a Crooked Man, A Gunfight, Posse, The Man from Snowy River, Man Without a Star, Lonely Are the Brave, and Along the Great Divide.

Franco Nero is a renowned Italian actor whose Hollywood career has been marked by a wide array of captivating performances. With his magnetic presence, Nero has skillfully brought to life an impressive range of characters on screen.

He achieved international fame with his iconic role as the titular hero in the Spaghetti Western classic "Django" (1966), a film that quickly became a cult favorite among genre enthusiasts.

Nero solidified his standing in Western cinema with memorable appearances in "Texas, Adios" (1966) and the critically acclaimed "Keoma" (1976).

Showcasing remarkable versatility, Nero seamlessly transitioned into various genres, including action, drama, and thrillers. His impressive filmography features notable titles such as "Camelot" (1967), "The Mercenary" (1968), and the blockbuster "Die Hard 2" (1990).

Over the years, Nero has made a lasting imprint on the film industry, captivating audiences worldwide with his charisma and outstanding performances.

Eldred Gregory Peck stands among the most iconic American actors of Hollywood's Classical era. His commanding presence and remarkable talent made him a leading star from the 1940s through the 1970s.

In addition to his celebrated film career, Peck was deeply engaged in political activism. He actively campaigned against the policies of the Nixon administration and spoke out against the House Un-American Activities Committee.

Gregory Peck's most acclaimed films include "To Kill a Mockingbird," "The Guns of Navarone," "Duel in the Sun," "The Gunfighter," "Yellow Sky," "Only the Valiant," "The Bravados," "David and Bathsheba," "Captain Horatio Hornblower," "Roman Holiday," "Moby Dick," and "Cape Fear," among others.

Paul Newman, an Academy Award-winning actor, earned nine additional Oscar nominations throughout his illustrious career. He was also honored with an honorary Academy Award for lifetime achievement and received the esteemed Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for his philanthropic work.

After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Newman returned home and pursued degrees in both drama and economics, setting the stage for his future success in Hollywood.

Newman appeared in numerous iconic films, including "Cool Hand Luke," "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "The Hustler," and "The Color of Money." His talent and charisma made each role memorable.

Among his many achievements, Paul Newman starred in several classic westerns, such as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "Hud," "Buffalo Bill and the Indians," and "The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean." These films cemented his legacy as one of the finest actors in the Western genre.

Gian Maria Volontè was a renowned Italian actor and the son of an officer who commanded the Brigata Nera during Italy's fascist era.

As he matured, Volontè firmly rejected fascist beliefs, becoming an outspoken communist and advocate for social change. He launched his career in Italian cinema, but rose to international fame through his memorable roles in Spaghetti Westerns.

Volontè is best known for starring in iconic films such as For a Few Dollars More, A Fistful of Dollars, A Bullet for the General, and Face to Face.

James Stewart was not only a renowned actor but also a distinguished veteran, serving honorably in both the United States Army and the Air Force.

Upon retiring from the Air Force, Stewart achieved the rank of Brigadier General and was later awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, highlighting his service and dedication to his country.

Stewart is celebrated as the third greatest American male actor of the Classical Hollywood era. His most acclaimed films include Rear Window, Vertigo, Winchester '73, The Glenn Miller Story, The Naked Spur, Rope, The Man Who Knew Too Much, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Cheyenne Autumn, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, The Philadelphia Story, Two Rode Together, The Searchers, and How the West Was Won.

Ed Harris has enjoyed a distinguished and enduring career in film, earning a reputation for his powerful performances in a variety of genres, including Westerns. In these films, Harris demonstrates remarkable range, skillfully portraying an array of characters from steadfast lawmen to complex outlaws.

Among his most notable Western roles are appearances in Riders of the Purple Sage (1996), Appaloosa (2008), Sweetwater (2013), Walker (1987), Frontera (2014), and A History of Violence (2005), to name just a few.

These acclaimed performances have not only garnered critical praise but have also solidified Ed Harris's reputation as one of the most respected actors of his generation, particularly in the Western genre.

Born Marion Robert Morrison, John Wayne—often called the Duke—became one of the most iconic actors of the classic Hollywood and silent film eras. His commanding presence and rugged charm made him a legend among western stars.

Wayne came to symbolize the American Westerner, capturing audiences with his memorable performances. His most celebrated westerns include The Big Trail, Stagecoach, Red River, The Searchers, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, True Grit, Rio Bravo, The Quiet Man, The Shootist, Riders of Destiny, and Three Mesquiteers, among many others.

Sam Elliott is a renowned American actor, celebrated for his distinctive deep Southern drawl and tall, rugged physique that have made him an enduring icon of Western cinema. Throughout his career, he has earned nominations for an Academy Award, two Golden Globes, two Primetime Emmys, and two SAG Awards, among other honors.

Elliott began his journey in Western films, quickly establishing himself as a beloved figure within the genre. His authentic on-screen presence and dedication to his roles helped solidify his reputation as a true cowboy star.

Some of his most notable appearances include classic films such as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Shadow Riders," "Gunsmoke," "Murder in Texas," "The Quick and the Dead," "Buffalo Girls," "Conagher," "Gettysburg," and "Tombstone." He has also showcased his versatility in projects like "We Were Soldiers" and "Hulk."

Burt Lancaster was a renowned actor and filmmaker celebrated for his dynamic presence in classic Hollywood. The American Film Institute ranked him the 19th greatest actor of cinema’s golden era, a testament to his lasting impact and talent.

Throughout his career, Lancaster received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award win and four additional Oscar nominations. He also earned a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and several other prestigious awards, reflecting the depth of his artistry.

Known for portraying tough characters with layered personalities, Lancaster’s roles brought increasing complexity and nuance over the years. As his career progressed, he continually pushed boundaries and explored challenging parts.

Among his most iconic films are The Professionals, The Killers, From Here to Eternity, The Rainmakers, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Run Silent, Run Deep, Judgment at Nuremberg, and Birdman of Alcatraz, among others.

Henry Fonda was a legendary actor, celebrated for his remarkable performances on both Broadway and the silver screen. Before becoming a Hollywood icon, Fonda crafted a distinguished career on the stage, which provided a solid foundation for his later film success.

He was renowned for his ability to authentically portray ordinary people, bringing depth and realism to every role. Fonda's talent was recognized with an Academy Award for his work in 'On Golden Pond,' alongside an Honorary Oscar celebrating his lifetime achievements.

Fonda also earned Oscar nominations for his memorable roles in '12 Angry Men' and 'The Grapes of Wrath.' His career is marked by standout performances in classics such as 'Jesse James,' 'Young Mr. Lincoln,' 'The Ox-Bow Incident,' 'My Darling Clementine,' 'Fort Apache,' 'Once Upon a Time in the West,' 'My Name is Nobody,' 'Battle of the Bulge,' 'Mister Roberts,' 'The Wrong Man,' and 'Gideon’s Trumpet.'

Charlton Heston was a highly acclaimed actor and dedicated activist, renowned for his powerful on-screen presence. He delivered unforgettable performances in cinematic classics such as The Ten Commandments, Ben-Hur, El Cid, The Greatest Show on Earth, Khartoum, Touch of Evil, Planet of the Apes, Soylent Green, and The Omega Man.

Heston also left a significant mark in the Western genre, starring in notable films like The Savage, Pony Express, Arrowhead, The Far Horizons, Three Violent People, The Big Country, and Will Penny. His versatility and commanding roles helped shape the legacy of Western cinema.

Gary Cooper was a two-time Academy Award winner and also received an honorary Oscar in recognition of his outstanding career. He is celebrated on the AFI's list of greatest classic Hollywood actors, cementing his legacy in cinematic history.

Renowned for his understated performances and trademark strong, silent demeanor, Cooper brought authenticity and gravitas to every role he portrayed. His unique style made him a standout figure in Hollywood's golden age.

Cooper starred in numerous iconic westerns, including "High Noon," "The Man of the West," "The Virginian," "The Texan," and "Fighting Caravans." His impressive filmography also features classics such as "The Spoilers," "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town," "The Lives of a Bengal Lancer," "The Plainsman," "The Cowboy and the Lady," "A Farewell to Arms," "Meet John Doe," and "Sergeant York."

James Garner was a celebrated actor whose distinguished career brought him numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination, several Golden Globe wins, and recognition at the Primetime Emmy Awards and SAG Awards.

Known for his charismatic and affable presence, Garner excelled in portraying lovable rogues, anti-heroes, and charming con men. His most iconic roles include Maverick, The Great Escape, Duel at Diablo, Support Your Local Sheriff, Support Your Local Gunfighter, and The Castaway Cowboy, among others.

In addition to leading roles, Garner made memorable appearances in films and television such as Space Cowboys, The Notebook, 8 Simple Rules, and Murphy’s Romance, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Rock Hudson, born Roy Harold Scherer Jr., rose to fame as one of Hollywood’s most iconic leading men during the golden age of cinema. Beloved by audiences around the world, he became a heartthrob for millions and left a lasting mark on film history.

Hudson’s impressive versatility allowed him to shine across multiple genres, including memorable roles in westerns such as The Undefeated, Showdown, and Giant. For his outstanding performance in Giant, he received an Academy Award nomination.

Beyond westerns, Rock Hudson starred in acclaimed classics like Magnificent Obsession, All That Heaven Allows, Pillow Talk, Lover Come Back, Send Me No Flowers, Seconds, Ice Station Zebra, and Tobruk, cementing his reputation as a versatile and enduring star.

Richard Farnsworth was a two Academy Award-nominated actor who starred in many acclaimed films. He began his career in film and television with uncredited or minor roles in Gone With The Wind, Laramie, The Ten Commandments, Red River, The Wild Ones, etc.

The roles that earned him acclaim include The Gray Fox, Comes a Horseman, Roots, The Tin Star, A Lawless Street, The Cowboys, The Straight Story, Anne of Green Gables, etc.

William Holden was an actor of high acclaim who won an Academy Award for his role in Stalag 17.

Holden was regarded as one of the top 25 greatest actors from the Classic Hollywood era. He also won a Primetime Emmy Award for his role in the TV series The Blue Knight.

William Holden starred in classics like Sabrina, Sunset Boulevard, Picnic, The Bridge on River Kwai, The Wild Bunch, Network, etc.

His Western movies included Arizona, Texas, Streets of Laredo, Escape From Fort Bravo, Alvarez Kelly, Wild Rovers, etc.

Robert Mitchum was an actor who is considered the pioneer of the anti-hero persona. He was known for his various roles in the film-noir genre, which earned him many accolades.

Mitchum earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in The Story of G. I. Joe. The other prominent roles of Robert Mitchum include Cape Fear, Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, Out of the Past, River of No Return, The Night of the Hunter, Thunder Road, El Dorado, Ryan's Daughter,  The Friends of Eddie Coyle, Hopalong Cassidy, West of The Pecos, Nevada, Pursued, etc.

James Coburn was an American actor with an iconic image as a cool dude and tough guy. He represented the new Hollywood era, with Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, Clint Eastwood, etc., as his contemporaries.

James Coburn also won an Academy Award for his role in Affliction. The other popular movies that made James Coburn a star were The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape, Charade, Duck, You Sucker!, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, The Restless Gun, Ride Lonesome, Tales of Wells Fargo, Waterhole No.3, Face of a Fugitive, Major Dundee, etc.

Kurt Russell started his career as a child actor in the western series The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters. Since then he has worked in different genres of movies, but Westerns have a special place. 

He has starred in many great Western films throughout his career. In Tombstone (1993), Russell plays Wyatt Earp, a legendary lawman who confronts the Clanton gang in a famous gunfight. His other major films include Bone Tomahawk (2015), The Hateful Eight (2015), Guns of Diablo (1965), etc.

Despite starring and excelling in all types of films, Kurt Russell had a particular charm that suited the genre of Western films the best. He is one of the best Western actors from the recent generation.

Lee Marvin is an Academy Award-winning actor who had a trademark head full of white hair and a distinctive voice.

He portrayed hard-boiled characters and slowly moved to play hardened anti-heroes. Along with Clint Eastwood, Steve McQueen, James Coburn, Charles Bronson, etc., he represented a new Hollywood era of heroes.

Some of Lee Marvin's successful films include Cat Ballou, Paint Your Weapon, The Professionals, Seminole, The Stranger Wore a Gun, Bad Day At Black Rock, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, The Virginian, The Killers, The Comancheros, The Dirty Dozen, The Wild Bunch, etc.

Joel McCrea is a popular leading man in Westerns. He was a rancher who loved riding horses and acting as a hobby.

However, he has a film career of five decades with successful comedies, dramas, romantic films, and westerns to his credit.

Some memorable films of McCrea include Foreign Correspondent,  Sullivan's Travels, The Palm Beach Story, Bird of Paradise, The Most Dangerous Game, Bed of Roses, The More the Merrier, These Three, Come and Get It, Dead End, Wichita, Ride The High Country, etc.

Gwyllyn Samuel Newton Ford shortened his name to Glenn Ford. He was a Canadian American actor who starred in many blockbusters during the 1940s, 50s, and even the 60s.

Glenn Ford came to California as a high schooler when his father got a job at the Venice Electric Tram Company.

He developed an interest in acting during high school and worked in stage plays. After school, Glenn Ford began acting in films, but his father advised him to learn another money-making skill to ensure he will have a job if acting fails.

Hence, he learned plumbing and repair work for all home appliances. As an actor, he starred in films like Gilda, Blackboard Jungle, Pocketful of Miracles, Texas, Go West Young Lady, The Man From Colorado, Lust For Gold, etc.

Eli Wallach, a highly acclaimed actor, has left an indelible mark on the Western film genre with his versatile and memorable performances.

Known for his ability to portray complex characters, Wallach has taken on a range of roles in Western movies. One of his most iconic portrayals was that of the cunning and ruthless bandit Tuco Ramirez in Sergio Leone's "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" (1966).

He brought a charismatic and unpredictable energy to the character, earning him widespread acclaim.

Wallach also showcased his talent in other Westerns such as "How the West Was Won" (1962) and "The Magnificent Seven" (1960). His contributions to the genre have solidified his status as a legendary figure in Western film history.

Steve McQueen was the original King of Cool. He popularized the anti-hero persona in Hollywood and ushered in a new era of Hollywood greats like Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson, Lee Marvin, etc.

While McQueen did not win an Oscar, his performances in The Sand Pebbles, Papillon, Love With The Proper Stranger, The Reivers, etc. were highly acclaimed.

Steve McQueen’s films that received high commercial and critical success include Bullitt, The Great Escape, The Magnificent Seven, The Cincinnati Kid, Nevada Smith, The Thomas Crown Affair, Tales of Wells Fargo, Wanted: Dead or Alive, Tom Horn, etc.

Richard Widmark was an actor and producer who earned an Oscar nomination for his debut film, Kiss of Death.

For the same role, he won a Golden Globe for the most promising newcomer. Widmark portrayed much more villainous and anti-hero before he could shift lanes to Westerns and TV roles with lead roles.

He was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. The most noteworthy performances of Widmark include Kiss of Death, The Alamo, Coma, Murder On The Orient Express, Yellow Sky, Warlock, No Way Out, Against All Odds, etc.

Samuel Shepard Rogers III was an acclaimed actor and prolific playwright, and writer. He has acted in many Oscar-nominated films and earned a nomination himself for his performance in The Right Stuff.

Apart from acting, Shepard was a well-known director and playwright with over 55 theatre plays to his credit. Sam Shepard won the Obie Award, the Pulitzer Prize for drama, and many more accolades for his writing.

When it comes to Westerns, Sam Shepard acted in Thunderheart, The Good Old Boys, All The Pretty Horses, Don’t Come Knocking, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, etc.

James Arness was born James King Aurness. He was born to parents of Norwegian descent. When WW2 broke out, Arness enlisted in the armed forces and was drafted into the Army.

He participated in the Battle of Anzio, where he was severely wounded in his leg. He suffered from this injury for the rest of his life.

After his treatment, Arness worked in radio and later moved to Hollywood. James Arness is known for his roles in many Westerns, most notably the Gunsmoke TV series and the made-for-TV films.

He also starred in other westerns like Hondo, Gun The Man Down, Red River, How The West Wass Won, etc.

Errol Flynn was an Australian- American actor known for his swashbuckling roles as an anti-hero or a lovable rogue.

The American Film Institute listed Flynn as the 18th greatest hero of the American Film Industry. He was also famous for his many roles in collaboration with Olivia de Havilland.

Apart from other war films, romantic dramas, and pirate films, Flynn appeared in many western as was the norm of the era.

His most popular roles were in Dodge City, Santa Fe Trail, San Antonio, Virginia City, They Died With Their Boots On, etc.

Walter Brennan was a character actor who was known for playing supporting roles in films. He could be described as the most successful character actor as he is the only actor, male or female, to win three Academy Awards in supporting roles.

He is also one of the only three male actors to win three Academy Awards. Walter Brennan won his Oscars for Come and Get It, "Kentucky and The Westerner", while he earned nominations for Sergeant York.

His memorable Western movies include Red River, Rio Bravo, My Darling Clementine, Tearin’ Into Trouble, Calgary Stampede, Ridin’ Rowdy, Three Godfathers, etc.

Charles Bronson is the stage name of Charles Dennis Buchinsky, born to parents of Lithuanian origin. He was born in a family of coal miners and did the same job til WW2 broke out.

He then joined the US Army Air Force division and served till the end of the war. He received a Purple Heart for his contributions.

After joining films, Charles Buchinsky worked in supporting roles in many Westerns and as a villain too. When the House Un-American Committee started investigating Hollywood, Buchinsky changed his name to Bronson to escape the label of Communist.

Chiles Bronson starred in films like Once Upon a Time In The West, The Magnificent Seven, Death Wish, The Great Escape, Vera Cruz, Drum Beat, Jubal, Run Of The Arrow, Tales Of Wells Fargo, etc.

Yuliy Borisovich Briner was the birth name of Yul Brynner. He was a Russian actor who was honoured in the USA with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

He is best known for his portrayal of King Mongkut in "King and I", on the stage and in its film adaptation.

He won two Tony Awards and an Academy Award for this role. The other notable performances of Yul Brynner were in The Ten Commandments, The Magnificent Seven, Invitation To a Gunfighter, Return of the Seven, Villa Rides, Adios, Sabata, Catlow, Westworld, etc.

Robert Ryan was an American actor and civil rights activist. He actively supported and spoke out for groups like the rights of the African American community, Supporters of the First Amendment, the American Civil Liberties Union, etc.

Robert Ryan also served in WW2 and turned into a pacifist after the war. Robert Ryan is known for playing Strong and forceful characters like an upright policeman, law enforcement officer, mobster, or bad guy.

Some of his popular performances were in Crossfire, Trail Street, Return of the Badmen, Best of The Badmen, The Naked Spur, Bad Day At Black Rock, etc.

Audie Murphy was a real-life hero apart from being a singer, actor, and rancher. He had a difficult childhood where his father deserted the family, and his mother died when he was sixteen years old.

After the Pearl Harbor incident, Murphy enlisted in the Army and became the most decorated American soldier in WW2.

After the war was over, he began his career as a singer and an actor, where most of his roles were in Westerns.

He also opened his ranch and participated in horse racing. Due to his strong ethics, Audie Murphy refused to make commercials for alcohol or cigarettes though they paid huge salaries.

Randolph Scott is one of the beloved actors in Western films. Throughout his four-decade-long career, he appeared in all genres of films from musicals and comedies to suspense and romantic dramas, but his most successful genre has been Westerns.

Out of the 100 films he starred in, 80 were Westerns. His memorable westerns were The Last of The Mohicans, Susannah of the Mounties, Frontier Marshall, Virginia City, When The Daltons Rode, Western Union, The Spoilers, The Desperados, Albuquerque, Badman's Territory, Trail Street, The Cariboo Trail, Return of the Bad Man, etc.

Harry George Carey Jr was an actor and the child of actors Harry Carey Sr. and Olive Carey. He grew up on his parent’s Santa Clarita ranch among horses and cattle.

This gave him an edge while playing cowboys in Western for John Ford. Harry Carey Jr. served in the Navy as a pharmacist’s mate during World War II but was recalled stateside to work as a Naval photographer making training videos for the Office of Strategic Services.

After beginning his acting career, Carey worked in many John Ford films, with whom he served in the Navy.

He appeared in Western TV series like 3 Godfathers, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, The Searchers, Cheyenne Autumn, The Lone Ranger, Red River, Cahill US Marshall, etc.

John McIntire was an actor who worked in radio programs, theatre, television, and films. He began his career in radio shows before moving to the theatre.

His popular radio performances were in Crime Doctor, The Adventure of Bill Lance, etc. After shifting course to television and films, he worked with many big names in films like Psycho, The Hucksters, The Asphalt Jungle, etc.

The roles that brought McIntire acclaim were mostly in Westerns like The Far Country, The Tin Star, Winchester ‘73, etc.

He also worked in television series like Cimarron City, The Virginian, Wagon Train, The Overland Trails, Bonanza, Dundee, and the Culhane, etc.

Brian Keith was an actor who worked on stage, television, and film screens. He served in the Marine Corps during World War II and retired in 1945.

He was the son of film and stage actors Robert Keith and Helena Shipman, so he too took up acting.

Keith starred in many television anthology series before gaining film stardom with Westerns like Fort Dobbs, Sierra Baron, Run of the Arrow, Hell Canyon Outlaws, Rawhide, Laramie, and Ten Who Dared, Frontier Circus, Nevada Smith, The Rare Breed, etc.

Ward Bond was a character actor who starred in over 200 movies and TV series during his career and built a reputation for his Western roles.

With his towering height of 6 ft 2 inches, he was a football player and this gave him many of his early roles as a sportsman.

After completing his bachelor's degree in engineering, Ward Bond and John Wayne began their movie career together. Bond appeared in several character roles in a wide variety of films.

Some of his famous roles in Westerns were in The Searchers, The Big Trail, Rio Bravo, Drums Along The Mohawk, Fort Apache, Wagon Train, Johnny Guitar, etc.

Slim Pickens was the stage name of Louis Burton Lindley Jr. He was an acclaimed actor and rodeo personality who appeared in many westerns as a cowboy.

But, as he was called at home, was a dairy farmer and grew tired of that work, so he took part in rodeos, and riding broncos.

His father forbade him from this dangerous work, so Burt competed under the name Slim Pickens. The name Slim Pickens stuck to him through his 20 years of Rodeo career and even when he entered films and television.

He acted in westerns like Rocky Mountain, Old Oklahoma Plains, Down Laredo Way, Tonka, One-Eyed Jacks, Major Dundee, Stagecoach, An Eye For an Eye, Never A Dull Moment, etc.

James Drury was an American actor who played the leading man in many television series and films. Drury was the son of a Texan farm owner and a New York University professor, so he spent his days between the city and the idyllic farm life.

He got interested in acting after working on a play, Life With Father at the age of 12 years.

After schooling, he joined NYU to study drama and acting. He also took additional courses at UCLA before beginning his acting career in 1955.

Drury acted in Western TV series like Love Me Tender, Black Saddle, The Rebel, Wagon Train, Ride The High Country, etc.

Warren Oates was an acclaimed actor who starred in several westerns during his career. Oates worked in both films and television series with equal success.

Warren Oates is known to frequently collaborate with Sam Peckinpah on his productions. After graduating from high school, Oates joined the armed forces and served as an aircraft mechanic.

After his service ended, Oates returned to college, where he grew an interest in acting. Warren Oates began his career with guest roles in TV series like The Rifleman, The Virginian, Wagon Train, Rawhide, The Rebel, Gunsmoke, etc.

Slowly Oates began playing major roles and supporting roles in films like Ride the High Country, Major Dundee, In The Heat of The Night, There Was a Crooked Man, Dillinger, etc.

Robert Taylor was the stage name of Spangler Arlington Brugh. He was a very popular Hollywood actor in the 1930s and 1940s.

When the war broke out, Robert Taylor joined the US Naval Air Force and served as a flight instructor.

Even though Taylor had a good run with all genres of romantic suspense and drama movies, he preferred to work in Western comedies.

He starred in Many Rivers To Cross, "The Law and Jake Wade", Savage Pampas, etc.

Lee Van Cleef was an actor best known for his roles in spaghetti westerns like For A Few Dollars More, The Good, "The Bad and The Ugly".

He debuted his acting career with a western, High Noon, which won high acclaim. Initially, Van Cleef was cast only as a minor villain or a goon, but Sergio Leone took a chance on him, and he became a hit.

Lee Van Cleef started his career as a US Naval officer on the minesweeper USS Incredible as a sonarman.

After the war, Van Cleef worked on stage before getting film roles. He also starred in The Adventures of Kit Carson, The Lone Ranger, Annie Oakley, Brave Eagle, etc.,

Tom Tyler was born Vincent Markowski to Lithuanian American parents. He came from a family of miners and right after finishing high school, Tyler left home to take up a variety of jobs like seaman for merchant marines, powerlifter, lumberjack, miner, etc.

In the early 1920s, Tyler was offered a contract by FBO to appear in silent movies for four years.

Here Tom Tyler learned his acting skills and slowly grew in popularity for his silent Western movie. He later moved to another production house but continued working as a Western film hero.

His most famous roles were as Captain Marvel in the film series, The Adventures of Captain Marvel and as Kharis in The Mummy’s Hand.