R.I.P. Hollywood Western Stars Who DIED Too Soon! THE UNLUCKY 13! All True! More Western Stars! AWOW

[@JanesDough855]

Thank you for mentioning Eric Fleming. He was THE trail boss of Rawhide! What an actor! So convincing in that portrayal. I will miss him always.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Absolutely, Janes. Thanks.

[@dianacipollone4560]

Agree, so charismatic and a man!

[@aimeekubik8803]

Me too. It brings home on how unfair life is.

[@sonnycorleone3251]

I liked Richard Long. When he was a child, he suffered pneumonia that weakened his heart, his drinking and smoking did not help either. I liked him in "The Big Valley" and other Tv shows Like the Twilight Zone episode "Number 12 looks just like you" and movies that he did. Plus, Tyrone Power I liked too. He died of the same thing Stephen Boyd died of a heart strombolisms-where the heart doesn't get enough oxygen. Thanks for the upload.

[@anniemaull5605]

When growing up TV was a continuous friend. I enjoyed watching and keeping up with actors and actresses and what each part the actors and actresses were doing at any given time. I still do. When I can. I wouldn't have missed it for anything.

[@geoff4589]

My favourite Actors John Wayne Audie Murphy and Eric Fleming were the best I've been still watching. Gone but never forgotten. Dementia won't stop me from remembering my favourites.

[@lsavell01]

I remember most of these stars, all gone too soon. Eric Fleming survived childhood abuse, gangs, and the war, only to drown in a river. Such tragic endings for all of them.😪 God bless them. Thank you, Rob, for this wonderful tribute to these talented stars.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, LadyP. I'm working on additional episodes with this theme.

[@eleonorvelasco7375]

@@AWordonWesterns u7

[@scribe56]

Raw Hide was great. I think it came on friday nights. But I know that we never missed it

[@VeronicaBrown-q8u]

Western are good

[@VeronicaBrown-q8u]

Good westerns

[@anniemaull5605]

I remember Lawman. Audie Murphy. And a lot of Western's from 1957. I still love Western's. And I've kept up with a lot of actors.

[@KevinWood9]

Hi I like Audie Murphy and was in WW2 and got every medal that was around for everything he do in the WW2 I think he died at 45 years old

[@wesleycampbell5017]

​@kevin wood ¹ 😮

[@roberttownsend7397]

Jeff Chandler was an actor who brought great dignity to every role he played, and even in those movies where the budget might not have been great, his presence alone brought something special that might otherwise not have been there.

[@RobertBailey-y3h]

I love your work, sir! I am a Western historian and miniature gamer.M love of westerns stems from my Dad. I believe in a world where the bad guys get got and the good guys do the getting.--Bob Bailey in Maine

[@janetharned4343]

Such an absolutely excellent video, better than most movies! I've seen most of these series and memorable actors during my life and loved them all! Thanks for the memories!!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Wow, thank you, janet. I'll try and do more.

[@plantfeeder6677]

Jeff Chandler was someone who just exploded in my memories watching this. I always admired his stoic characters even as an Indian. He gave respect to every character he portrayed. It's a shame he died at the hands of doctors. He would've become a huge Star in the 1960s. He had the perfect leading actor looks and that voice! May they all Rest In Peace!

[@BrianRidgway-u5g]

A terrific documentary that feels a bit like a family reunion. Respectful, wistful, thoughtful and informative. Thanks for keeping their memories alive. Still much to seek out and enjoy! Great work! AAA+++

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, user. I put in lots of heart, too.

[@auntbelinda6501]

💥👏Wow👏💥 Excellent feature!! I am now a fan!! Great content, wonderful, pitch - perfect inflection of narration, and accompanied by, ...arguably the best series of old movie posters and stock photos that I believe that I have ever seen!! I loved Eric Fleming, Richard Long and several others that you included in this video!! I have never seen nor heard of Peter Lee Lawrence but, how did Hollywood 🤔 not see and sign him in his day?!? He would have been another heart throb here in the state's had anyone here had ever cast him!! Tysvm for ALL of your hard work researching/putting this altogether and your presentation!! 👏🌟👏

[@mikebuleti8548]

Another wonderful classic show, my childhood comes alive as a boy from 1954 thru your magic, may the good LORD bless you for your work so similar to the ultimate battle of good versus evil ! A Word On Westerns is a National Treasure, God bless your good work Rob

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Mike.

[@OdeeOz]

Sad Sunday, but Glad Reminiscing of the greatest entertainers ever, from the Era of Good Guys & Gals Win. 👍👍& 5⭐ Joan Hackett was the number one heart-throb of mine for ever. The day she passed was very sad indeed.

[@andreachericone813]

Well done. Thank you. One can always tell who loves film and who understands its impact in American life. This doc will always be timely and will soon be timeless.

[@nicoletanis3703]

Rob, thank you for your dedication to preserve the memories of Hollywood Westerns Stars. The future generation should be grateful. This superb narration is very well done. 💯

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks very much, Nicole.

[@fredericmartin7148]

Yes, Rob Word deserves his own star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame for his excellent work as a film historian. I feel that all those Western stars who have passed on are tipping their 10-gallon hats in gratitude to Rob.

[@lindasuegreenkennedy9739]

Thank you so much for putting this together I am thoroughly enjoyed it

[@renee8437]

Eric Fleming! Just Wow! He had to have his face reconstructed. He drowned during filming. He was only 41. I still watch the reruns of Rawhide! Heartbreaking!

[@aimeekubik8803]

I'm with you. Obsessed. I watch Rawhide whenever I can. Why God why? Clint Eastwood goes on to long Life and much success. Life and death is Random. You never know when it is coming. Live everyday as your last. Too bad he did not marry and gave kids. He was definitely a man.

[@janisdais2832]

I love Eric Fleming in Rawhide !! I watch the show on the INSP channel. 💙🐎

[@rosekarns8249]

Q9😅qq

[@rosekarns8249]

😊qàà😊

[@rosekarns8249]

❤❤😊

[@lindagarcia8826]

I just found this video. Thank you for Featuring these great actors from yesterday. I learned alot and will look into the movies they were in. I enjoyed learning so much thank you again.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Our pleasure, linda. Hope you've discovered the 100s of episodes we've been producing for the past decade. Woweee! Enjoy!

[@pamgreywacz7161]

My father loved westerns and we enjoyed watching them together. I miss all these actors and movies!! I’m happy to see some westerns coming back to t.v. Generations today missed all of these. So glad they left an amazing legacy. Thanks for this wonderful video!!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Pam. It’s nice to see a bit of a resurgence of the genre.

[@Shineon83]

Gail Russell was THE most beautiful (and talented) actress I have ever seen-her fragility and shyness always came through in her characters…. It is such a pity that the link between addiction & depression wasn’t understood at the time, and treatment wasn’t available - they were simply regarded as “weak people,” and looked down upon (which of course, only worsened their shame, addiction and isolation)….Heartbreaking.

[@atreb56]

Very well done.Thanks.

[@JSB1882]

Oh man! Joan Hackett was always such a joy to see in TV show or movie. She seemed like so much fun.

[@shayadayan3343]

Her epitaph reads " Go away! I'm sleeping!"

[@wesmcgee1648]

One of the few KZbin channels where comments are respectful, civil, or I should say downright polite. Thanks Rob. And long live the western genre and the great people who follow it.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thank you, Wes. We have one of the best group of viewers and fans who always seem to add and share interesting information. It's the Cowboy Way!

[@cole1968man]

Posted by

[@patriciasnyder6915]

I just made a similar comment 2.2023

[@lisamcbride8921]

Clint Walker was my favorite wester actor! Just read he died in 2018, sad

[@rogersmoot6194]

Mr. Word, thank you for your years of dedicated work in bringing your western-based audience so many truly memorable presentations. I am 80 years young and grew up with cowboys such as Hoot Gibson, Ken Maynard, Leo Carrillo, Hopalong Cassidy, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and so many others. God bless you and yours.

[@AWordonWesterns]

I love those early B westerns, too, Roger. Still enjoyable. Thanks.

[@ronaldcornelius7519]

This is an excellent Program 🎉!! Thank You for Sharing This information!!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you like it, ron. Thanks

[@Madmanmarque]

Thanks, I learned about a few actors I wasn't aware of before. The Big Valley was my favorite western when I was a kid in the 60's. It still remains one of my favorites.

[@paulstark6818]

A big thank you from down under you are a incredible host Rob the doco o we llthey died too soon was a sad and informative show on a lot of actors and actresses we loved as we move along in life having access to shows and movie s we did not have before many thanks for your priceless feed back on every one ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks a lot, Paul. The UNLUCKY 13 was a sequel to a previous AWOW episode, 12 WESTERN STARS WHO DIED TOO SOON. One led to the other as I researched performers and became intrigued with their lives. Hope you like the other one, too. I'm working on more of the same theme. I was "down under" years ago when I wrote and produced a pilot for a teen soap called PARADISE BEACH. Loved doing it at Surfer's Paradise where the sun shone, ladies were stunning and everyone was friendly!

[@sandy-pf9bb]

Thank you for doing Richard Long. I thought he was something special. I watched Big Valley in reruns and so wished they were my brothers. It was nice to see him remembered.

[@lauramcintyre483]

His first wife died very young as well.😢

[@mlbrooks4066]

Suzan Ball was only 21 when she died of cancer in 1955. She did a western film with Jeff Chandler (War Arrow).@@lauramcintyre483

[@marshameltzer7784]

Richard Long was handsome and talented. He had the western gentleman down pat! So sexy❤️Gone way to soon😢😢

[@carolscott4880]

On Richard Long you failed to mention his 1st wife actress Suzan Ball who died at the age of 26 from cancer and who's last Western was Chief Crazy Horse with Victor Mature. Mara Corday was Long' 2nd wife who bore him children.

[@johnmccracken9631]

I'm not a crier. Thank goodness. Several of these stories could have gotten me started. Good writing Mr. Word.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks John.

[@richb313]

Thanks for all the research needed to bring these stories of mostly forgotten stars to life remarkably not all of them passed from self destructive behavior such as alcohol or drugs some were just taken too soon. Thank you Rob for showing the human side of all these people.

[@johnrussell5270]

.

[@jeffreyoldham55]

Thanks for including Jeff Chandler. He was my mother's favorite leading man, and she named me after him. Excellent narration, and great production by you & Robbie!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Jeff.

[@bigiron383]

Away All Boats

[@kenvelickoff4275]

Some great Jeff Chandler as Mike Shayne

[@lauramcintyre483]

Always thought that Esther Williams description of him in her autobiography was untrue and disgusting.

[@jeffreyoldham55]

Of course not! Sounds like sour grapes to me.

[@bettetindel2127]

I went to movies often & remember all of those actors & how talented they were, Joan Hackett's personality was so strong it jumped off the screen, they all had outstanding charisma. Jeff Chandler, Alan Ladd & Jeffery Hunter were extremely handsome!!!!!

[@Paladin1873]

In 1965 Brandon De Wilde appeared in Otto Preminger's WWII drama "In Harms Way", playing the executive officer of a PT boat who is also the estranged son of the main character, Admiral Rock Torrey (played by John Wayne). It's a very dark film that removes any glamor from war, but there is a personal side story to it that I'd like to share. Decades after the movie was released I was visiting my best friend and he started talking about his younger brother who had been killed in a crop duster crash years before. He mentioned his brother had been in the military at the time the movie was being filmed and present in the crowd of onlookers that were watching as they shot the scene where the Duke is hailed aboard his son's PT. Either the Duke or the director was unhappy with the way the scene was being played because the actor hired to welcome Wayne aboard was unable to render a proper snappy salute. They noticed my friend's brother was an enlisted man and asked him if he could play the scene. He agreed and as a result he appeared in the final cut of the movie. After hearing this story, I found a copy of that very scene on KZbin and emailed it to my friend so he could always remember his brother as being eternally young and free-spirited.

[@christophersanders5007]

Also did not mention De Wilde's The Missouri Traveler with Lee Marvin.

[@fasteddie9055]

IN HARMS WAY is one of my favorite Duke movies. I saw it for the 1st time in the old Panama Canal Zone's Howard Air Force Base Theatre in 1966. It is a dark movie that deals with sensitive topics like familial domestic conflicts and rape. Great comment about a great movie !!!

[@MrBsbotto]

What a classy move, C.T. That would have meant a lot to him.

[@MrBsbotto]

@@fasteddie9055 Great comment on "Harm's Way," kind of an under-rated flick, in my opinion. I'm no fan of the Duke, but I thought that role employed his talents to a tee.

[@faithcastillo9597]

Lovely story. Thank-you for posting it.

[@bluladie]

Fantastic video. TY so much Rob.

[@daryljacobson7462]

AWESOME! as always. Peggie Castle was my heart throb growing up, and one of my favorite heroes was Pat Conway. It was sure a shame we lost all those action heroes so young. Thanks Rob and your crew for bringing them back for one last heraw for us.

[@kaycox5555]

Terrific show and memories, thank you!

[@joansmith5870]

Thank you for your very well researched episode today. Several of the actors were previously unknown to me but I am appreciative that I am now aware of them. Some of these performers came from humble beginnings and didn't navigate their fame and fortune in a healthy way. Jeff Chandler was a victim of poor care.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Joan.

[@sammychicken3457]

What a wonderful tribute Rob. I enjoyed Tyrone Power & Henry Fonda in their roles as the James boys. Kind regards from Adelaide, South Australia.

[@nealro1471]

Good morning Rob! All so sad but I think Gale Russell might be the saddest because it looks like she died all alone. She was so Beautiful.

[@MrBsbotto]

Rob, I so appreciate your work in compiling this outstanding tribute to some really fascinating actors that sadly died too soon. Your commentary is just marvelous, packed with terrific background and with real appreciation for these sometimes forgotten actors. You've got a lot of soul, brother, and it's a pleasure to hear that affection in your commentary. Sincere thanks.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Sure appreciate your comments, MrB. Let's keep sharing these shows to expose westerns to a new generation. Thanks!

[@rochellefangers2972]

❤

[@rochellefangers2972]

I enjoy all of the old movies ❤ .

[@jerryknorr679]

Wow so sad to hear this, this is something I never know. Thanks Rob for sharing this, we can never replace one of a kind actors.

[@joemotes]

Rob, this one was really nice and great coverage on their body of work, thanks for adding Brandon De Wilde, as I mentioned him on your last Stars Who Died Too Young.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Yes, Joseph. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@joelcopeland3018]

Thanks for telling these stories. When I was a kid "The Jayhawkers" was a movie that I really liked. Brandon De Wilde was in "In Harm's Way" with many other stars. I didn't realize that he had died so young. This is a very touching video, and you handle each person with the dignity everyone deserves. Thank you and God bless.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thank you very much, Joel

[@christhompson3750]

He was also in a great but sad little movie called Goodbye My Lady with Sidney Poitier and Walter Brennan.

[@ruthsilbe3602]

0

[@berylbattrick1246]

THANK YOU, GREAT COMMENTARY ABOUT THESE MARVELLOUS COWBOYS.

[@FranssensM]

Some greats there. Thank you, they deserve to be remembered.

[@larrywillis2188]

superb job Rob. excellently narrated and produced. My hats off to you.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Larry

[@cbamr]

Well, that wasn’t the happiest video I’ve ever seen, but sure was full of heart. Bless them all.

[@timhiltonsuperstar]

Thanks for sharing this with Canada 🇨🇦!!!!!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Of course. We never overlook our northern neighbors.

[@bethdavis7812]

Thank you so much for this interesting and informative yet sad stories. Never knew about Darby's Dad, what a talented actor. Loved the beautiful Gail Russell, a very sad story indeed!

[@frankdodgee]

Excellently presented Rob. Never knew about the demise of at least half these actors. So tragic.

[@chimp2023]

So many actors who performed western 😳 movies were magic . We were lucky to see them. Women were great in these roles.

[@pjoe1950]

Another fine trip down memory lane and some of the great shows of yesteryear. I always wondered what happened to Joan Hackett and now I sadly know. She was great in Will Penney and especially in Support your local sheriff. Thumbs up Rob.

[@MrBsbotto]

You are so right, Steve! Joan Hacket was pretty but she also had an undeniable sweetness that made her doubly attractive. It sounds like she was very well-liked in the industry. Happy trails, Steve.

[@ronaldpleasant]

To

[@jankoza673]

Rob, thank you so much for this video. It is amazing tribute to these wonderful actor. Enjoyed the one on Joan Hackett.

[@nancyhenson253]

Pete Duel of Alias Smith and Jones died at 31. A great talent who is missed very much. Love you Pete. RIP.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Nancy. We covered Pete in our earlier showcase of Those Who Died Too Young. He was awesome.

[@susanmccormick6022]

Agreed.

[@ryancarroll3961]

Rob, your knowledge of movies especially westerns is exceptional. I’ve learned so much about so many people from the film industry since I discovered your KZbin page. Thanks again for the educational entertainment

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you're part of our posse, Ryan. Thanks.

[@nancymaldonado9136]

111111¹1¹¹

[@judithstevenson1506]

@@AWordonWesterns ok

[@asullivan4047]

Interesting/interesting/entertaining. Excellent photography pictures 📷 enabling viewers to better understand what/whom the orator was describing. The unfortunate movie 🎥 🌟 stars. Whom exited early were in the prime of their acting careers. A wonderful way to be remembered.

[@hollywoodmediaprofessional3282]

Excellent program. I've enjoyed the other episodes, too. More please.

[@CarlEvans-t6h]

Thank you for turning me on about this episode. My gal will be watching your work in the afternoons. She's also a big fan of Soaps too ;-)) Edited to say, Peggy Castle is also in one of my favorite movies of all time-opposite Charles Bronson, L.Q.Jones, Chuck Connors. I'm currently watching the part with Pat Conway. My older brother loves this series as well, and was also born on January 9th.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Have fun! Thanks for sharing our shows.

[@CarlEvans-t6h]

@@AWordonWesterns Thank you Rob. It's going to be fun for us both to catch up on all these wonderful artifacts that I missed. She told me she watched the episode with Pat Conway first. It's hard to believe that Pat Conway was so young in this series. He was very mature and perfect for this role.

[@SusanH4626]

Thank you Rob 😊, this was a lovely tribute to all these wonderful actors and actresses.

[@janisdais2832]

Thank you SO much for this wonderful tribute to those gone too soon !! I still cry sometimes when I think of Eric Fleming. He was wonderful in Rawhide..💙🐎💙🐎💙🐎💙🐎

[@gordonbradfield81]

Thankyou for your reply! Errol Flynn died at 50 and also Steve McQueen plus a third actor at 50 but cannot recall his name! I enjoy your series, being a western buff for a long time !!!! Got about 400 western videos!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, gordon. We plan to keep 'em comin' at ya in the new year!

[@allenenlowcomedy5025]

I saw this in the STETSON EMIAL NEWSLETTER....Congrats Rob. I was a Stetson Grad of 74. I now live in NYC and work as an actor and comedian. AGAIN- major congrats!!! I am watching this now and will tune in for the series..... CONGRATS AGAIN!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Allen74. I haven’t seen that email. Can’t find it but am proud of the WWA honor and of being a StetsonU grad. Rob70

[@brendaholman3835]

This was an excellent compilation of some of the best actors and actresses of the western era. The story of Gail Russell is so so sad. Her performances with John Wayne were great and they had a sweet on camera performance. To think that their in camera performance was carried over to an off screen romance is not hard to believe. You can see it . I believe it to be true. She died too young and it is sad that.she could not overcome her Alcoholism. John Wayne kept trying to help her with that. but he couldn’t. Such a sad story .

[@andymckane7271]

Your research, Rob, as always, is in a class all by itself. You are most impressive as the Western film historian. Thank you for such fabulous and accurate work.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Very kind words, Andy. Thank you very much.

[@AceMoonshot]

There is so much that I want to say. Simply too much. So I will just say, Thank You. Thank You so much.

[@robertwalker6584]

Heavy man. The knowledge you drop let's me appreciate their work so much more. I am also immediately kissing my wife calling my friends and counting my blessings

[@AWordonWesterns]

Very nice thoughts, RW. Thanks.

[@michaelm6948]

Gail Russell's tragic story always leaves me decimated. RIP.

[@Riogi]

Death is such sadness. Thank you for remembering these actors and actresses. May they rest in peace.

[@sheilakirby5616]

GOD I TRULY LOVE AND MISS WESTERN MOVIES !!!

[@KarrieSue]

I just found this site and am I glad I did! Thank you for all this glorious information!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Our pleasure, Karen. Glad you found our channel. Please share it with your friends. Thanks

[@PhilippinesFarmLife]

ROB, Your narration was spectacular and it must have taken you hours of research and writing. EXCELLENT! You are a brilliant producer of high caliber entertainment and a wise historian. Your description of Tyrone Power is the best I have ever heard, 'Astonishingly Handsome' PLUS he was very talented.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks for the very nice compliments, Kit. Makes it all worthwhile.

[@PhilippinesFarmLife]

@@AWordonWesterns I think you would appreciate this interview. "Conversations with Robert Osborne" on KZbin

[@jodyamnpurrier-killingbeck1147]

I had to rewatch about 5 times as i wasn't aware of these stars. Thank you for your video.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, jody.

[@francessacco3500]

Thank you for this special on these wonderful actors and actresses whom we grew up with. Pat Conway is a favorite...still love to watch him in 'Tombstone Territory'! Another talented actor/singer/stage performer I admire is Allen Case who portrayed Deputy Clay McCord in 'The Deputy". He passed way too soon barely 51 from a heart attack.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Frances. I liked him in the Jesse James TV series as Frank James, too. Talented actor.

[@francessacco3500]

@@AWordonWesterns Thank you for your response! I was 11 when Allen starred in 'The Legend of Jesse James'....I'm sure I watched with my parents. Wish the series was out on DVD. I have seen some clips of it on You Tube. Allen put in a good performance in on 'Wagon Train'...the Jasper Cato episode.

[@toinimoore3463]

A few of the actors I didn’t know but I know my late Father would have known them as he saw the silent serials and enjoyed them and I truly was surprised some who had died so Very young I had no idea they were so young and I was also surprised that Gail Russell had died too and I was couldn’t get over the looks of some and you are so wonderful with each star because they truly were in each of their own times !

[@FiveLiver]

Tremendous presentation. No one should miss this.

[@RachelRosser-v1x]

❤thank u 4 sharing😢 wonderful memories

[@MrBlaser51]

Absolutely outstanding . Thank you so much .

[@Sheerkat7]

Another great video. So much info I've never heard anywhere else. Eric Fleming had a very skilled plastic surgeon to make him look great after his terrible accident. To me, Rawhide has the most memorable theme song. Sad that he and all of these actors had such tragic deaths so young. After growing up in Denver, I moved to Florida where I watch Westerns when I miss the mountains. I'm going to look up some of these old movies to see if they are available to watch online. Thanks for all your excellent work. It's appreciated.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, David. I’ll be visiting FL after we tape new interviews at the Autry next Tuesday. High school reunion.

[@elaineteut9579]

Rob, this was absolutely one of the best presentations you have done. It was like living my childhood and teen years again. My brother, sister and I saw so many of those cowboy movies in our local movie theater on Sunday afternoons. My Dad and Mom loved westerns too so we saw all the TV westerns. My Dad was a nice looking man and many thought he looked like Jeff Chandler. Thank you so much for bringing all these wonderful actors back and so sad that so many died young. My parents would have loved this video.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Elaine. I know my western film loving Father would have, too.

[@DarrylWhiteguitar]

Thanks, Rob, for these stirring tributes.

[@cynthiab1543]

Great video! I was 11 when Richard Long died, I was devastated.

[@ericteneyck8691]

Rob, this is definitely one of your best! I had heard of many of these stars, but not all, and several of the ones I was familiar with I didn't really know just how young they were or how they met their end. I have always thought that Gail Russel was one of the most beautiful women of Hollywood and her story is as heartbreaking as any. I have read things written about Tyrone Power by people who were not connected at all with the film business and thy all said he was one of the most down to earth, unpretentious and reliable friends they had ever met. It's eye opening, some of these actors seem timeless, like Jeff Chandler, then we see just how short their lives and careers really were. Great job! Looking forward to your next video.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Eric. Much appreciated.

[@Rangersly]

Thank you so much for doing another on of those homage videos. Amazing research, heartbreaking stories, each artist featured here certainly deserved to get the spotlight back on them once again. The magic of television and the movies, is that these stars are eternal. Their spirit lives on in each performance that are preserved for as long as people care about movies and great acting.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Ranger. We're lucky that they did leave us so many memories.

[@danphillips1468]

Audie Murphy died way too young I know that Audie had a horrible temper Due to the horrible war experience he had, So He deserves a few words of accomodations He was so brave and so young Being the most decorated combat soldier ever known !!!

[@MaryAnnetteGibson]

I LOVE AUDIE MURPHY!! No matter what, period!!!

[@suzibouch-xm9yr]

He probably had PTSD. It's very sad they had to deal with all of that on their own

[@guitartim2128]

Thanx Rob this is excellent. Eric Fleming was the reason for the success of Rawhide--ever seen the episodes without him? Lackluster. Hey I like Clint but still. Richard Long,another fine actor. R.I.P.

[@winsdieus]

world miss a great star and actor ,THE TRAIL BOSS [ERIC FLEMING] , RICHARD LONG.....AND MANY OTHERS....THANS FOR THIS VIDEO...

[@BladeStar-uq6xe]

Another Great Video! RIP to all these greats!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks again!

[@rosseganjr9402]

thanks for telling about the lesser known Western stars of the past!

[@viscountgrape4473]

Thanks Rob. They say you are not truly gone until you are forgotten. Loved Joan Hackett in Support Your Local Sheriff. Comedy gold. The inscription on her final resting place says “Go Away-I’m Asleep”. She still makes me smile. Happy trails Rob.

[@samanthab1923]

She was wonderful. Love her in the Last of Sheila & The Group

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Grape. That inscription made me laugh, too.

[@rogernorris9543]

Huge fan of Angel and the bad man, Gail Russell was STUNNING! She could say soo much in that movie with just a look. I thought her acting was top shelf.

[@LReno-di9cm]

Gail Russell....a real beauty. So sad no one intervened and tried to help her...

[@annaryan4803]

Rob, thank you for posting this tribute of some of my favorite actors. Not only that, but they were some of my dad's favorite's too. This included Art Acord and Hoot Gibson. Dad was born in 1929, and grew up watching silent movies. When I was tiny, he got up at 4:00am to get ready for work. While other TV stations...out of Dallas, TX... were not showing anything. dad found one that showed the silent movies, accompanied by a piano playing at that early hour. I was tiny, but I quickly learned which channel it was. So I would have it waiting for him, when he joined me on the couch. While Dad narrated the movie, I was lulled back to sleep while listening to the piano. I often dreamed of the movie, I had fallen asleep to.

[@MrBsbotto]

Anna, what an incredibly sweet post. That is just marvelous that you could carve out some time together and bond over these cozy moments. My mum also worked double shifts, and we would often grab an hour here or there, just kidding around. Those are the very best memories of my life, so I can relate. Your dad sounds like an absolute gem and I hope he is still with us. If not, we'll hook up again in that big ranch house in the sky.

[@annaryan4803]

@@MrBsbotto Thank you! My dad moved to Heaven in 1998. So, I watch Westerns all alone.

[@Bluey1950]

Great interview rob...where would us old cowboys be without your great chanell..

[@gregdavis19]

Thank you, Rob. I loved it! You are a true blessing to most of us.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Greg.

[@grahamhill6340]

It's mighty sad when anyone dies before 50, but when its someone we've grown-up with through movies and TV its almost as much a loss as if it was our own family! HOLLYWOOD has chewed and spit-out so many performers, once they were stars and then they were not... the unlucky 13 mentioned today by ROB are known and remembered by us WESTERN fans always, as they are forever being remastered and repackaged to entertain future generations, whereas the likes of us have only faded home movies and photos to survive us. Its hard to think of what would have come of ERIC FLEMING's career had he not accidently died at 41... it would've be hard for him to top the iconic trail boss Gil Favor in Rawhide, the role he was born to play. But the show had faltered from bad scripts and ever-changing producers . Ironically, Fleming's Roman-like face came about by an accident in 1942, whilst he was serving in the Seabees when a 200lb block of steel hit it... after four major surgeries and a long stay in hospital, he ended up with the face we all came to love. Of course sadly, it was another accident that ended his life, as Rob already stated when he drowned in the Huallaga River in 1966, whilst making a movie in Peru, with that same iconic face being mangled-up and smashed by the rocks and the fast flowing rapids. He was about to get married and semi-retire to a ranch in Hawaii. His death would be talked about and the facts mangled-up, with the popular false rumor that he was eaten alive by piranha fish... but for me Eric Fleming played the very best character lead in the very best TV western of them all, that is the first three seasons when it really did take the right trail!

[@ge45gecalled39]

very fine narrating Word and enjoyed seeing all these familiar faces, thanks for the memories, take care🙂

[@virginia7191]

Well done Rob! Tasteful and respectful!

[@duffysullivan2794]

Yes, I agree! I learned a lot. And the production values are over the top. The excellent narration, deep research into the topic. Someone had to put together all those photos and pictures! Color me impressed 😊

[@alicemcknight6335]

Thank you for this program. I always liked Eric Fleming in Rawhide. I still play the theme music on my ukulele.

[@hollywoodmediaprofessional3282]

Congratulations on the award for this excellent episode.

[@vernareed2692]

Thank you for bringing this!! Glad to hear of another great cowboy from down the road from my home, Stillwater Oklahoma!!

[@noelgoulette7695]

Very interesting! I learned to love westerns from my father, when I was a child. Westerns are still my favorite as far as TV series and movies.