Distinguished from the renowned Cubs announcer, this Harry Carey left his mark on over 90 Westerns throughout his career. He found particular favor with Have Gun – Will Travel, featuring in 12 episodes. Raised on a ranch during his childhood, he acquired the nickname “Dobe” due to his adobe-colored hair and even mastered the Navajo language. It’s no surprise he exuded such ease on screen, adeptly portraying roles ranging from sheriff to nefarious characters.

With a lean and rangy physique, Royal Dano showcased extraordinary versatility as an actor, seamlessly transitioning between roles spanning from cowardly criminals to the iconic Abraham Lincoln. Personally chosen by Walt Disney to voice Honest Abe, Dano is predominantly recognized for his portrayal of the esteemed President. However, he was equally captivating in portraying wicked characters, demonstrating his exceptional talent across the spectrum of roles.

Elam, due to his lazy left eye resulting from a childhood incident where he was stabbed in the face with a pencil, often found himself typecast as either an eccentric old coot or a menacing criminal. However, he excelled in these roles, showcasing brilliance in both comedic and menacing performances.

Part of the esteemed Sons of the Pioneers singing group, Shug made his mark across various entertainment mediums, ranging from lending his voice to characters like Uncle Pecos in Tom and Jerry cartoons to appearing in The Dukes of Hazzard. In Gunsmoke, he made occasional appearances as Obie, a stylishly attired barkeep at the Oasis Saloon and sometimes served as a boxing referee.

Best remembered for his portrayal of Marshal Micah Torrance in 150 episodes of The Rifleman, Fix also left his mark in Star Trek lore as he depicted Dr. Mark Piper, the first medical officer aboard the Starship Enterprise, in the series’ second pilot, “Where No Man Has Gone Before,” preceding the arrival of Bones. Additionally, he played District Attorney Hale on Perry Mason, Thad’s father on Gunsmoke, Commander Kronus on Battlestar Galactica, and made appearances in numerous other Westerns as a supporting actor.

Greer made television history as the first person saved by Superman on Adventures of Superman. However, he found his most notable role on Gunsmoke as the affable shopkeeper Wilbur Jonas, responsible for supplying Miss Kitty with her exquisite wardrobe. Additionally, he often portrayed ministers, officiating memorable ceremonies such as the marriages of both Rob and Laura Petrie on The Dick Van Dyke Show and Mike and Carol Brady on The Brady Bunch. Later in his career, Greer portrayed the elderly version of Tom Hanks’ character in The Green Mile.

While initially rooted in vaudeville, Jolley discovered his true calling in the realm of countless Westerns. His distinctive features, characterized by a long face, sunken eyes, and a pencil-thin mustache, enabled him to effortlessly embody roles ranging from imposing villains to authoritative figures.

Cactus Mack, cousin to actors Glenn Strange and Rex Allen, initially emerged from the Arizona musical scene. Despite his extensive background, he’s most notably recognized for his recurring presence in a remarkable 48 episodes of Gunsmoke. Often relegated to the background, his silent presence was nonetheless impactful, whether seen quietly sipping a drink or blending into a crowd. However, it was in his final appearance on the show, portraying an old man known simply as “Pa” in season seven’s “Marry Me,” where he finally received a substantial role. His distinctively high and raspy voice lent even more depth to the character. Unfortunately, speaking roles remained elusive for him, and he frequently went uncredited in many other Westerns. Nonetheless, with a name as memorable as Cactus Mack, his contributions certainly warrant recognition and appreciation.

In the classic film “Cool Hand Luke,” Martin immortalized one of cinema’s most iconic lines, uttering, “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.” Originally a swimming and diving champion, he transitioned to Hollywood initially to offer his aquatic expertise behind the scenes. However, fate steered him towards an on-screen career, often portraying characters in dusty frontier towns like Dodge City. Notably, he portrayed the mentally challenged character Cooter in a memorable early episode of Gunsmoke. From there, he continued to maintain a steady presence in film and television throughout the late 1970s.

Pyle, likely the second-most recognizable television actor with “Denver” in his name after Bob Denver, is best known for his roles as Briscoe Darling, Jr. on The Andy Griffith Show and Uncle Jesse on The Dukes of Hazzard. However, his presence extended far beyond these iconic roles. He appeared on numerous shows featuring horses, portraying characters imbued with mountain wisdom and rugged charm.

Ironically dubbed “Chill” due to his birth on a scorching hot day, Wills also cultivated his talents as a musician, lending his voice to the Avalon Boys. Additionally, he became renowned for voicing the beloved Francis the Talking Mule in a string of successful films. His deep twang and distinctive voice led him to on-screen appearances in shows such as Trackdown, The Virginian, Alias Smith and Jones, and numerous other productions.

Best known for his role as Festus Haggen on “Gunsmoke,” Ken Curtis brought a unique, folksy charm to the show that made his character unforgettable. His portrayal of the deputy marshal added humor and depth to the long-running series.

As Marshal Matt Dillon in “Gunsmoke,” James Arness became a symbol of integrity and justice in the American West. His towering presence and calm demeanor helped the show become one of the longest-running Westerns in television history.

Known for her role as Miss Kitty Russell on “Gunsmoke,” Amanda Blake was the heart of Dodge City, running the Long Branch Saloon. Her character was a confidante and friend to many, making her an essential part of the series’ success.

Lorne Greene’s portrayal of Ben Cartwright in “Bonanza” made him a television icon. As the wise and compassionate patriarch of the Cartwright family, his leadership and moral integrity were central themes of the show.

As Little Joe Cartwright in “Bonanza,” Michael Landon was the spirited and impetuous youngest son of the Cartwright family. His energetic performances and good-natured character made him a fan favorite.

Dan Blocker’s portrayal of Hoss Cartwright in “Bonanza” was characterized by his gentle giant persona. His kindness and strength made Hoss a beloved character who often provided comic relief as well as moral guidance.

In “The Rifleman,” Chuck Connors starred as Lucas McCain, a widowed rancher known for his sharpshooting skills. His character’s dedication to his son and their frontier justice was a hallmark of the show.

Playing Mark McCain in “The Rifleman,” Johnny Crawford portrayed the son of Lucas McCain. His character’s growth from boy to young man added a compelling dynamic to the series, showcasing the challenges and joys of father-son relationships.

James Garner’s role as Bret Maverick in “Maverick” showcased his charm and wit. His character was a gambler with a heart of gold, using his brains over brawn to get out of tricky situations, making the show a blend of comedy and Western action.

Known for his role as Rowdy Yates in “Rawhide,” Clint Eastwood’s portrayal of the young cattle driver marked the beginning of his illustrious career. His character’s evolution from a headstrong youth to a responsible second-in-command mirrored Eastwood’s own rise to stardom.