RIP MORGAN WOODWARD Tribute! Friends Remember The Good Bad Man! Exclusive A WORD ON WESTERNS!

Morgan Woodward (Sept 16, 1925 - Feb 22, 2019) To pay respects and honor the veteran actor, friends and colleagues of the late film and television veteran gathered at The Autry Museum to share memories. Perhaps best known for his role in "Cool Hand Luke" as the silent, reflector sunglasses wearing prison guard, Morgan also holds the record for appearing as the lead guest star in 19 episodes of the classic western series, "Gunsmoke." Among those in attendance paying tribute were many old friends. Speaking were L.Q. Jones, a fellow student from the University of Texas and renowned character actor; Steve Stevens, who had been Morgan's agent; Tim Matheson, who worked with Morgan, twice, in his series "The Quest," with Kurt Russell; Ben Costello, author of "Gunsmoke: An American Institution"; producer John Strong; friend Julie Ann Ream; and Morgan's 96-year-old co-star from "The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp," Ray Boyle (aka Dirk London) who wrote and recited a touching verse to his dear friend. We all loved that Bad Guy! Thanks everyone for sharing. Recorded April 16, 2019 at The Autry Museum.
#western #rip #restinpeace #character #gunsmoke #bruceboxleitner #actor #actors #moviestar #wyattearp #memorial #awordonwesterns #robword #filmhistory #filmhistorian #timmatheson
#tvwestern #westerngenre #western #characteractor #moviestar #interviewer #podcast #interview #agent #lqjones #valleyrelics #author

[@ricklowe8607]

Wow, that poem that Ray Boyle wrote brought tears to my eyes! Phenomenal show!

[@PeterOHalloran-hf2ho]

Grew up watching all of these guys in all the western s what an era for television great times

[@t4texastom587]

First off, thank you Sir for serving and defending our country during WWll and the Korean War. And next, thank you for starring and guest-starring in so many great westerns, on the big screen and small screen, and especially guest-starring on the greatest TV western and my personal favorite "Gunsmoke" a record 19 episodes. R. I. P. Morgan 🇨🇱 Woodward

[@Scripts360]

When we lived in Hollywood off Franklin, I stopped at the Mobil station for gas and at the next pump was a beautiful Mercedes and Morgan was pumping his own gas. I waited until he was done, introduced myself to him. “Mr. Woodward, it’s an honor to meet you. You were my Dad’s favorite bad guy on Gunsmoke. He was incredibly gracious, told me to tell my Dad hello for him. I told him my Dad had passed. Morgan paused, looked skyward and gave a small salute. I’ve never forgotten that. We shook hands, I thanked him once more and he got back in his car and pulled away.

[@davidrice3337]

when I Saw him on Star Trek I told my buddies - He's a cowboy! true blue! they were like whatever- I wish I could've met him You Will Not Be Forgotten, Sir

[@grahamhill6340]

As each WESTERN actor leaves us year by year, a part of us they grew-up watching them over-and-over on TV in both classic and not so classic movies and shows...a part of us goes with them, because they were just like family! That's why the WESTERN genre is so unique and special... it has that alumni/family feeling where even so many of the actors themselves, and even crew members, become life-long friends. They grow old together attending the funerals, the wakes and the laughter and tears of memorials that only their dear friend ROB WORD could put together! Call it good old western style hospitality and respect, that sadly one day will itself be just a memory...

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Graham. Who's gonna do mine?

[@grahamhill6340]

@@AWordonWesterns Rob, that's a question we all ask ourselves... and yet so many are forgotten whilst they're still alive! You'd think the American Television Academy and the Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences folks would be wanting to preserve everything you've done in documenting WESTERN movie history, a history that truly and literally started HOLLYWOOD... but then, it's a non-PC genre they never really embraced, but they gladly accepted the huge profits anyway!

[@CarlEvans-t6h]

@@AWordonWesterns Unfair question. Hopefully not for at least 40 more years.

[@KyleCowden]

Wow, seeing these greats, their bodies bent and their voices full of gravel is at once moving and sad. Watching their films, it's like they're still those upright and forthright cowboys and lawmen, villains that I grew up on. RIP Morgan Woodward and thank you for these glimpses into the greatest film genre.

[@bethholland5351]

Oh Lord 💔That beautiful poem 💔 How sweet and lovely ❣️❣️❣️ Thank you Rob Word for this and all you do🏆❤️

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thank you, Beth.

[@crowhaven200]

I have a question. Does anyone remember a young man named John Skipworth? John was a bit player maybe? He was in Running Wild with Morgan. I have never got to see that movie, but John Skipworth was a friend of mine I went to school with in our hometown.Since Rob knows everyone, I wonder if you remember John?@@AWordonWesterns

[@deborahclarke3389]

I enjoy this station. About westerners. Very exciting to see. All fabulous actors of old days!!!

[@crowhaven200]

Man that poem.... Bless them all...

[@g-asplendidsavage1700]

Bob word great work on the westerns and keeping them alive. I’m only 61 but I remember all of these actors. I love LQ Jones take on Morgan what a classic what a grin ! Keep up the good work

[@g-asplendidsavage1700]

Back at ya Bob Word 👍

[@kyrilascully7828]

I could listen to L.Q. all night.

[@rupert1862]

The greatest stars began as character actors, they keep it real. Loved watching Morgan Woodward on Gunsmoke and Dallas.

[@markboyer6380]

Morgan Woodward, Ben Johnson, L.Q. Jones, they were all great actors. Morgan was in everything from Gun Smoke to Star Trek.

[@brucehehl9941]

What a voice Morgan had. Loved all his skills as an artist and actor.

[@Squank63]

He made every production he was in better. I stop and watch anything I see that he appears in because I know it's going to be a great performance. Thank you for this wonderful tribute to one of the best...rest in peace, Mr. Woodward.

[@jozatexan1964]

Absolutely loved every second of this program. Loved the honor and respect shown to Morgan, who certainly deserved it.

[@jozatexan1964]

There was mention of Earl Holliman. Will we get to see him interviewed?

[@AWordonWesterns]

@@jozatexan1964 I wish! I've been trying for 5 years. He's a friend and I talk with him at least once a month but no luck getting him to join us for a talk about his westerns...so far. I'm not giving up.

[@jozatexan1964]

@@AWordonWesterns Earl is a fine actor in his own right but he has shared the screens ... big and small ... with other great actors. Surely he has wonderful stories to share.

[@Ronin4614]

A Word on Westerns ~~~ I am another who would love to see Earl Holliman. He was in so many films and I would love to see him and hear from him. Thanks Rob.

[@jozatexan1964]

You start a petition and I'll sign it. Earl probably has a lot more fans than he can begin to imagine.

[@dannyv2468va2]

Great actor. He always seemed like a nice guy. RIP sir.

[@OdeeOz]

I always figured, Morgan Woodward was a very underutilized, and underrated actor. Deepest respects Rob, for keeping these coming. 👍👏

[@hankaustin7091]

The worst sound in the world, at least to my ears, is hearing old people cry.. makes me so sad, and yet, I know the guy, Ray Boyle (aka Dirk London), was giving a great tribute to his friend, Morgan, so that helps ease the sorrow somewhat. Thank you Mr Word for posting this fabulous tribute to Morgan Woodward, you know, where ever he is, he's smiling down on you, saying "damn great job!".

[@frankdodgee]

Oh that poem. 🥲 God Bless these western actors. There are no words for the gratitude some of us feel

[@jackyandell2489]

RIP Mr.Woodward, your generation knew how to stay humble and show courage without fanfare...May you know , you'll not be forgotten..RIP.

[@mikeycapp1]

Powerful, A wonderful tribute to a wonderful actor. Rest in peace Mr Woodward you will always be missed by your faithful fans.

[@SethKash]

Glad to discover that I’m not alone in my obsession with westerns and character actors. The character actors are the ones who drive the story and the right one in the right role can make all the difference with the success of a movie or episode. My favorite being John Dehner. Peace to all.

[@laurastafford6217]

One tough actor in movies and westerns, You will be missed. God bless him, beautiful poem.

[@janethartwig774]

Oh my goodness, the poem at the end was so touching and beautiful; what a tribute to an old friend. I wept for joy knowing all my cowboy heroes who have gone, walked that golden trail.

[@davidskaar3232]

Great Great people. Morgan scared me so he was a great actor. So many great moments thank you.

[@brendal1498]

MR MORGAN WOODWARD, WHAT A ACTOR. EVERY WESTERN HE PLAYED IN, I WATCHED. THE GUNSMOKE EPISODES WERE SO GOOD WHEN HE APPEARED ON THE SHOW. JUST A GREAT ACTOR. ON WYATT EARP, AS SHOTGUN, HE WAS SUPERB. THE ACTORS THAT PLAYED IN THE OLD WESTERNS WERE FANTASTIC. LQ JONES WAS ALSO ONE OF MY FAVORITES. GREAT GREAT ACTORS.

[@stevebuckskinner5482]

I don't know how I missed this one before, but this was wonderful!!!

[@williamclifford9757]

Every show is beyond belief , fabulous character actors on this show.

[@Rick-mx5kh]

What a great tribute to one of my favorite character actors. I was pleasantly surprised to see the great L.Q. Jones there, another of my favorites. He's still sharp at 92.

[@lindagarcia8826]

Thank you for this great show giving tribute to Morgan Woodward, a truly GREAT ACTOR.

[@margaretkearsey734]

He was my favorite. I had an affair of the heart with him and a former boyfriend that looked like him. I felt terrible when he died. Those tributes to him were well deserved and he did ride that trail beyond the mountains to heaven where it is always spring and cattle graze and all of us will see him again in his signature cowboy hat and lariat and smiling from his favorite horse.

[@m.t.fisher4655]

I met Morgan Woodward at the Memphis Film Festival in the late 1990s, and he was such a nice man, and looked like he had in the 1960s. I was in line to get his autograph, and told the woman in front of me, "When I was a kid, he scared me to death." Well, she told Morgan Woodward, that, and he said, "Good. Then I did my job well."

[@hollywoodmediaprofessional3282]

Thank you for this touching tribute to western icon Morgan Woodward from his friends. Now L.Q. Jones and Ray Boyle have died. RIP

[@jameshughes455]

I don't know how anyone could watch that and not get choked up during that farewell poem!!! WOW!!!!

[@ruthcrawford8244]

Love this, thanks so much for sharing. I grew up watching Gunsmoke and all the other TV Westerns, Cool Hand Luke was a standout movie.I grew up training horses with my Dad, and worked in Montana as a Cowgirl and 'Dude Wrangler" for several years. One wintter while snowed in, I "binge-watched" Gunsmoke on the Western Channel...Morgan showed up in many episodes. My all-grown-up-now self, came to appreciate what an amazing, powerful actor he was. Seriously. So great to know that he was (more importantly) a kind, generous and loyal friend!!

[@davidgibson5707]

When I was very young I saw Mr Woodward in everything as the "bad" guy. To his acting credit, he was the one bad guy who put fear in me.

[@gregdavis19]

RIP Morgan. Beautiful poem at the end, and a wonderful memorial.

[@politicalpartyagnostic268]

Such a wonderful tribute!! 😪Ending with the poem was beautiful.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Ray Boyle, who wrote the poem, is 96 years old and married to the fabulous actress Jan Shepard and both were longtime friends with Morgan.

[@heygetoffmylawn1572]

This was a great tribute to one of the very best character actors of his time. Many terrific parts...still my favorite was the cool guard wearing mirrored sunglasses in Cool Hand Luke. He was ubiquitous throughout T V and movies for near 50years. He was up there with the greats such as John Wayne, et.al. Thanks for sharing this tribute.

[@MrAeronca100]

I lose another old friend of mine, a great old pilot and story teller, I spent my high school and college years hanging out with this guy, had fun rebuilding his PT 26 and flying with him, a solid old school pilot always a smile on him and an type easy going attitude, for sure not a Hollywood of today kind of Actor, (I knew him for more then a year before even knowing he was an actor back in 1963) truly a gentleman in every sense of the word

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks for sharing, ed. He loved flying and his vintage planes.

[@ildertonmann4086]

Great tribute to a sinister, menacing presence on screen and a terrific actor. It it wasn't for Rob Word, we would not get such remembrances of people (especially in England) who kept us entertained for decades, therefore many thanks to him.

[@paulstan9828]

A very nice tribute to a man who was loved by many as a person and as an entertainer.

[@robertbish8592]

Morgan was a man who got the little things right, so the big things naturally fell in line. Miss you, sir!!

[@tgibson4382]

Hackett is by far my favorite Gunsmoke episode. It’s also my favorite Earl Holliman role. The fact they switched roles makes even more interesting.

[@laurogarza4953]

Mr. Woodward had not one but two important roles in the seminal science fiction TV series "Star Trek." In both episodes with distinct roles, his acting was award worthy and stunning.

[@maxsmodels]

I find it a bit ironic that Hollywood's best villains are often the nicest people in the real world.

[@samanthastevenson9625]

@mtman2 v w vi 9v9vv9v9vvvv9 vvv9vv9v v9i 9iv9y9 vvuv9vvvv99h hvh79vvvvvvyv9v9y jvbv vvvvvv99 bv9vv7 9vv9

[@KutWrite]

@@samanthastevenson9625: What?

[@davidwayne9982]

My favorite scene with him was when he and James Arness were in TO THE LAST MAN- and they walked up the hill toward that family of bad guys- and Morgan has a shotgun and he says " Matt this is the only way- do you have any preferences?" and Matt says ' I'd prefer you DIDN"T MISS".. ha and they took the whole gang.. LOVED that.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Morgan enjoyed that end scene, too. Pat Hingle had been a buddy of Morgan's, L.Q. Jones and Fess Parker's since college!

[@kamuelalee]

Fantastic program Rob, thank you for posting. RIP Mr. Woodward, greatly missed character actor from Cool Hand Luke and Star Trek, among many others!

[@nancyquinn]

I truly enjoyed this interview. The poem touched my heart.

[@BigWheelHawaii]

Rob Word,,, What a Great Series,,, Rob Is a Master ,,, Great Voice,,, Great Knowledge,,, Great Presentation,,, He's Got It All... Morgan Woodward,,, One of My All Time Favorites,,, LQ Jones Also a "All Time Favorite"... "Gunsmoke",,, "Lonesome Dove",,, Broken Trail,,, Open Range,,,, High Noon,,, But Still One of My All Time Favorites,,,, Is Jimmy and Gunsmoke... What Great Loyalty Morgan Had In Gunsmoke,,, They Had Morgan Woodard Back So Many Times, I Think on Gunsmoke, 19 Times... One of The Best Episodes For Me, and For "Good Man Woodard",,,, Was "Vengeance" ,,, Gunsmoke Season 13 -- Episode 4 ... This Two Part Episode Was Great...

[@mikecarmean6446]

Morgan... ❤️ One of the Best Hard Core Actors of Hollywood Gunsmoke - Dallas Just a Bad Ass! 💥🇺🇸💥 He is Missed

[@Paladin1873]

"I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." (Stephen Grellet) And so he did. RIP, Morgan, best of the Hollywood badmen.

[@Heisrisin3]

His roll as Simon Van Gelder on Star Trek episode "Dagger Of The Mind" was the best acting I ever saw on that show and I'm a huge Star Trek fan.

[@briandiesel7295]

Shotgun Gibbs was one of my favorite characters he played,GOD bless Morgan a great actor for sure

[@welles2002]

I always said Morgan Woodward was a really amazing actor who I thought should have been a much bigger star

[@vendvere1637]

So glad you put this up! I try to catch every Morgan Woodward appearance I can on TV. As of right now, my favorite roles of his are Luke on "Lobo", and Dr. Simon Van Gelder in "Star Trek: "Dagger of the Mind"...

[@thommcintyre2903]

Befriended by Robert Conrad while he did The Wild Wild West, and in LA at his encouragement to attempt to break into the business as a writer, I met many actors I had seen on TV and in Movies. One afternoon seated at the bar in the Cock and Bull on the Strip, another favorite sat down beside me. It was Morgan Woodward and we struck up a conversation. Familiar with the numerous TV shows he had done, I asked why he had yet to do the WWW. He grinned and said he was told he was too tall to be cast on the show. Never appearing on the WWW did Woodward no damage, but it was the show's loss never casting him as one of its bigger-than-life villains.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Great story, Thom. Thanks.

[@davesherwood211]

My first time seeing L.Q.Jones was on the first few episodes of Cheyenne with Clint Walker he was Smitty his side kick.He was probably around 20 yrs old.Check it out.

[@Declare57]

The Ben Johnson story is hilarious! Great opener! I guess the story of Morgan's life, just one of the guys...in everything! Happy afterlife, Shotgun!

[@randolphlearning5255]

Thank you Rob for sharing this touching testimonial show with us.

[@COYOTE165A]

LQ Jones great Actor and westers star also etc RIP Morgan You will be sadly missed by all of your Fans And fellow Actors etc

[@intuitive7274]

His role as Punk on Dallas. That was another part he played it so well

[@angelgarrett188]

Beautiful just beautiful I have enjoyed watching this videos thank you so much 😊.

[@AWordonWesterns]

So nice of you, Angel. Thanks.

[@daniesahshele3179]

WOW" powerful testimonies on a very eclectic actor. Morgan woodward was one of my faves. Once you seen him in anything you can't unsee him after that..he was a memorable person and his acting wasn't acting it was a natural interaction of words and movements in a written script that brought him to real life. Thanks for posting this Rob. Once again a very awesome video here. !

[@brentlittle8075]

Man what a nice tribute, the last was very touching.

[@jillblase6820]

Brings a rear to the eye, wonderful Rob, keep em coming.

[@garymckee8857]

The best Gunsmokes always Morgan Woodward on them and it's always good to see L.Q. Jones. Thanks for the video.

[@mickbradford3167]

Gary Mckee - I totally agree with you, Gary. Another excellent character-actor that I “loved” to hate was, John Dehner. John was not as well-known as Morgan Woodward or LQ Jones, but he always turned in a respectable performance. The character actor Is the back bone of TV programs, movies, etc.

[@garymckee8857]

@@mickbradford3167 liked John Dehner in the Twilight Zone episode The Graves and Mr Garratee. I probably misspelled the last name it's been awhile since I saw the episode.

[@aileenwagner2576]

@Tom Reedy Yes, love John Dehner!!!

[@brianboisguilbert6985]

One of my favorite Riflemen episodes had Dehner as a gunman hired to kill a local rancher in North Fork. Hearing Marshal Micah Torrence refer to McCain as "Lucas - boy", Dehner's character turns it into a taunting insult, several times ending a remark with "Lucas....BOY." in his deep baritone voice. Been lately enjoying listening to old radio Westerns and Dehner stars in two of them, Have Gun Will Travel and Frontier Gentleman as well as turning up on Gunsmoke occasionally. check'em out here on KZbin

[@jozatexan1964]

Some folks don't seem to realize how much character actors added to each movie or episode. They only know the face and voice of so many like Robert Donner, Bruce Cabot or Gregory Walcot. How about Don Collier or Henry Darrow for a chat? Ed Falkner?

[@rogeranderson6980]

We have lost many great actors but just think of the backup supporting actors that were behind the stars. Thank you for the golden memories you side kicks. Frog molhosen. FUZZY KNIGHT. CURLY.. SO MANY UNDER STARS.

[@EldenSmith]

Thanks for that Rob. He was truly one of a kind.

[@zombiefulci3301]

I love Morgan Woodward, he was the summation of old Texas, like L.Q. Jones, Joe Don Baker, Waylon Jennings, Kenny Rogers, Patrick Swayze, Don Swayze and the King of em all the great Jim Davis (though Jim wasn't from Texas) Gunsmoke was the greatest western and it featured Morgan a lot, he imparted authentic western ambience.

[@paulstan9828]

Always so interesting. Thanks so much for putting these together.

[@rebeccapardue8438]

Absolutely loved him in Gunsmoke. What a distinctive voice. I was able to get his phone number and called him up and, to my pleasant surprise, got to talk to the man himself. I told him he is my favorite character on Gunsmoke, no lie there. Told him he is the best. He really appreciated me calling him and telling him just what I thought. To me, he is the best. I sent him a letter and a few pictures for him to autograph but sadly, he didn't get to see them. So, I'm glad I called him just to tell him that he is the best. Rest in Peace Mr. Morgan. You are definitely in the high country. Mike Pardue ✌

[@AWordonWesterns]

That's terrific you got to speak with him on the phone. He was a true Texas gentleman.

[@rebeccapardue8438]

@@AWordonWesterns Yes he certainly was. Thank you for your reply. My favorite Gunsmoke episodes featuring Mr. Morgan are Stryker and Lobo. He must have played on 20 episodes or so plus the Gunsmoke movie To The Last Man. You know this already though. Lol. It's just that I admire him. He was truly the best. Mike Pardue ✌

[@christhompson9486]

His character, Boone Walton on The Waltons was great. A tough old man, but soft and gentle, but had outlived his time.

[@intuitive7274]

Boone Walton really Was so funny and I loved it. I never get tired of watching him

[@billycampbell854]

I grew up watching Mr. Woodward, surely one of the greatest actors of our times.👈

[@Ronin4614]

What a great interview. I love hearing about these giants and some of the wild times these guys lived. Yeah, that great “musical” Cool Hand Luke. What a touching ending this one has . Your videos are such a treat and I really love them, thank you, Rob.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Jim, and all the other western fans out there. You all make the effort very gratifying. Besides...I LOVE TO HEAR THESE STORIES, TOO!

[@clairgardner5146]

I so I enjoy watching your interviews and reminiscing . Thank you !

[@OCCORAT]

Loved him as Punk Anderson on the t.v. show Dallas. He looked just like he is from the same era as Jim Davis (Jock Ewing). The kind of man that don't take no crap off of anyone. Also, he looked like a man's man in a time when men were men and women were women. He will be missed, but his performances still live on in tv and movie classics.

[@jbmbryant]

Thank you, Mr Word for making me start my Sunday by making me cry like a baby. This was a very moving tribute to one of my absolutely favorite actors. Thank you.

[@hankaustin7091]

made me cry too.. and I'm normally a crusty old son-of-a-bitch bastard any other time!

[@warrenpierce5542]

Without working man actors like Morgan Woodward, who would the stars of the series play against? As both a western and Star Trek fan I remember Morgan's stand out performances.

[@kamuelalee]

Great Star Trek episode. Morgan Woodward was such a compelling actor.

[@michaelmantle6043]

"Shotgun Gibbs" in the "Life & Legend of Wyatt Earp" TV series that starred Hugh O'Brian. Great memories of Mr. Woodward from my childhood. Rest In Peace.

[@bigfootbillunknown9511]

A great character actor. If he scared the shit out of those around him, imagine how he scared people watching him. Just like he did in Cool Hand Luke. He had a intimidating persona. He had one of the deepest voices, and when he spoke...children cringed. In silence...he was even scarier. Oddly enough, audiences were spellbound by his performances. He made you believe. He was the character he portrayed. Morgan Woodward, one of if not the best bad guys in TV & Movies. RIP.🙏

[@LizzyTexBorden]

Holy cow. What an ending. Beautiful. And that Tim Matheson... Finally looking his age... What is he, 'bout 35 now?

[@stephenm6100]

lovely poem at the end

[@georgeorwell4534]

L Q Jones.......I don’t have to go on Google to recognize the county commissioner Pat Webb from “Casino”! That voice and look are iconic! Ask Sam Peckinpah!

[@rogercamp6071]

Saw Morgan recently in an episode of Hunter as a town boss whose stepson (Bo Svenson) was the town's bullying sheriff.

[@kyrilascully7828]

Beautiful tribute, especially the poem by Ray Boyle. I wish you could have transcribed it here in the description.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Ray passed away two weeks ago, Ky. I spoke with his wife, Jan Shepard, and she hopes to be able to publish some of Ray's poems. Thank you.

[@JMVideos7676]

Can't wait for Sundays to cast the next great video up on the HD TV, crack a beer and enjoy the memories. Wow, this truly was one of the great ones.

[@Pushyhog]

tears! thanks for a good one. The tv will carry me thru to the trail.

[@PaulKyriazi]

I always wondered in Disney's 'Great Locomotive Chase' who that crazy civil war army guy on the train was; singing, pushy, crazy strange character. I found out it was Morgan. About five years ago, he came to the Hollywood show to sign autographs. I had a DVD of 'Locomotive Chase' with a message under the cover plastic of which 'chapter number' his scene was in and gave it to him. He was with some young women who seemed like family and they said, they'd be sure to screen it with him when they got home. It was Morgan's first job. I asked, "How did you come up with that wild, scary, crazy character." Morgan said, "I was just happy to be in my first movie." So be sure to check him out in the 'Great Locomotive Chase'. I saw him again six months later at the show and he remembered me and thanked me for the DVD. I've watched most of your Word on Westerns shows and sent Johnny Crawford some help thanks to your show.

[@michaelbruchas6663]

I worked with his brother, Lee Wordward, at KOTV.

[@robertposey2274]

Morgan, and Ben were both great actors.

[@mgmassey174]

That was sweet. My grandfather,who raised me , was a fan of all those shows. His favorite was Gunsmoke and Bonanza.. He always talked about meeting the sidekick guy..Chester? ...when he was in hospital. Fifty odd years later...i find that all my Grandparents were that awful term..half breeds.. They pretended to like the Cowboys because our country didn't want natives off the reservation. Granddaddy lived the traditions of his ancestors silently...attending church openly..loved Jesus..loved humans and knew the difference between good and evil personally. Had to hide who he was to survive but never said an unkind word to anyone. He would have loved this. Thank you

[@johnprovince5304]

Really enjoy these shows very much.

[@jefftappan381]

I think that Mr. Woodward could have done quite well in " Chisum " as Henry Tunstall. He resembled that actor so well.

[@prycerobertson4695]

Morg appeared in 19 episodes of Gunsmoke (he claimed he showed up in 18), including that one half-hour where he had a couple of lines.

[@COLETHORN10]

R.I.P. Mr. Woodward.

[@downhilltwofour0082]

The finish got me. Such a lovely poem!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Did you know that Ray Boyle, who wrote the poem, is 96 years old and married to the fabulous actress Jan Shepard? Both dear friends with Morgan.

[@downhilltwofour0082]

@@AWordonWesterns I did not know that, but I assumed their friendship. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@drumsport]

Morgan was one of the great cowboy actors. He was sensational playing Arch King opposite Clint Walker in "Yuma", as he was in so many episodes of Gunsmoke. Also, Morgan had one of the great, great speaking voices of all time. It's a shame someone didn't hire "Morg" to read Louis L'Amour novels. RIP Sir.

[@AWordonWesterns]

That would have been fantastic. What a voice!