R.I.P. Johnny Crawford (1946-2021) RIFLEMAN MEMORIES! Exclusive Christmas 2013 Interview! AWOW!

[@thomasrocker7408]

Johnny took fencing lessons from my father every Saturday at our house. Very nice guy.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Was Johnny's brother Bobby with him too?

[@thomasrocker7408]

@@AWordonWesterns yes, he came over a couple of times. If I remember correctly, Johnny took lessons from my dad for about a year. Although my dad was American, he lived in Canada up until the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. He then he moved to Southern California. But from 1932 through 1939 he was the Canadian National fencing champion in eppie and foil. When he moved to L.A. he joined the Blades Fencing Club. I think I was about 8 or 9 when he was giving Johnny lessons.

[@johnnyrevere7124]

That's awesome

[@JamesBond-ml3zp]

The Only Race that there is, "The HUMAN RACE" Thanks Jonnie!!!

[@jefffrearson8764]

You'll never see shows like the rifleman anymore. A father and son who had good morals. Rip Johnny.

[@davidrice3337]

The Rifleman is on every day - I'm just kidding- I know what you are saying - couldn't help myself

[@thomasallen3818]

It’s so sad to see his Alzheimer’s in its early stages, the fact he’s so unable to communicate now. God Bless him.

[@jerrybischoff4268]

Yes my father n my sister n my other sister has alzheimers but my one sister died in 2019 n now my baby sister has not long to live my prayers g ok out to her 💔 😔 🙏 ❤ 😢 😞 💔

[@JamesBond-ml3zp]

@@jerrybischoff4268She's with you now and others have been REINCARNATED!!!

[@sandyca1106]

Today is May 3, 2021, just days after Johnny's passing on April 29, 2021. Thank you for sharing this video for all to see a personal and unscripted version of Johnny. He will be missed. Hugs & love to Johnny our cowboy in heaven.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thank you, Sandy.

[@rayvoorhies7180]

I like the relaxed atmosphere for the interviews. The long and lasting friendship of these people makes me smile.

[@michaelashcraft8569]

I was only 7 yr's old when the Rifleman began it's run.. Dad , my Brothers and I never missed an episode, Johnnie is a much beloved actor as was Chuck, never be another.

[@davidrice3337]

Now I've got tears in my eyes as big as horse turds

[@jimmyjames2022]

Another one of my childhood favorites, I'm so glad to see Johnny's personality and experiences recorded while it's possible. Restaurant or stage, it's all great stuff.

[@elizabethbeckman1947]

So good to see Johnny and be able to appreciate the sweet beginning of A Word on Westerns. Thank you for sharing.

[@imanutnur7]

It is sad to know there are so many that have this disease and we are helpless to do anything about it. All we can do it to remember them as they were. Thank you for your program that brightens up my day.

[@salmaccarrone2401]

I truly believe there is a cure for this dreaded disease, the same way I've always thought there is a cure for cancer but the evil powers that ruled this world won't allow it because they want money and more than that they want population control. If what I've been hearing is correct Trump is supposed to bring out all these cures that they have.

[@davidrice3337]

Don't feel sorry for Johnny - he lived a very long ,productive and privileged life - not privileged in a bad way - a good way - he had a good life -:save your sympathies for kids - I lost my girlfriend in a car accident (her fault) when I was 16 - she was only 21 with 2children - one has passed the other had an accident and Is paralized ( going too fast like his mother) life is tough for a lot of people - Johnny was a good man and was blessed - Karma is real - but sometimes good folks get the short stick - nothing is guaranteed and everything can change in an instant - trust me .....

[@TERoss-jk9ny]

He was already struggling a bit. But an amazing man! This format was fine with me!

[@ronaldpritchard8122]

Johnny Crawford was great as Mark McCain, perfectly cast. I really enjoyed this interview. And his singing of Rudolph was simply priceless and Johnny's voice was stupendous. What I really liked was when he was talking and then asked "What was the question?" Good old Johnny wit. RIP Johnny Crawford.

[@jackiejones5136]

Having been around Johnny for the past five years as his disease progressed, it's delightful to hear him speak so well and enjoy his sense of humor.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Yep, JJ. We were lucky to have it to share.

[@robertbishop5357]

Alzheimers is such a horrible disease. Johnny and his family are in my prayers.

[@suzannecassell9085]

Johnny was my main crush when I was growing up. Always watched The Rifleman and had all his records. It saddens me to see him going through such a tough time. You're in my prayers Johnny.

[@cwilson6990]

Alziemier is worst I lost my dad to Alziemier 5 tears ago so sad to see a Strong Air Force Vet go down so fast Diagnosis just 2 years before we list him RIP Johnny Favorite Growing up 60s Rifelman God bless 🙏

[@ronh8199]

One of the best parts of growing old is the large pile of memories you accumulate. This has been added to the pile. Thanks.

[@paulstan9828]

Can’t help but feel sad but I also very much enjoyed your tribute to Johnny. I had relatives and friends suffer the same disease. He will always be one of my favorites.

[@jongamber6985]

Pretty good job helping him along. Very compassionate.

[@RoryVanucchi]

Nice. Can't beat Johnny and The Rifleman

[@clairgardner5146]

This is great, I grew up watching Johnny , feel bad for him now

[@oreally8605]

We all are going to get sick and eventually die. Know Jesus and ask God to prepare you/us for when it comes.

[@jbmbryant]

@@oreally8605 Very beautifully put.

[@salmaccarrone2401]

Loved rifleman and especially Johnny Crawford. He's really a great actor. I sent financial help to aid in his fight against the horrible disease. People shouldn't have to die like that damn it

[@sammychicken3457]

Really, really enjoyable. They just don't make shoes like The Rifleman, Bonanza, Stage coach, Gunsmoke & many many great other programs any longer. We watch the rifleman very often. Thank you Regards from Adelaide South Australia

[@johnnyrevere7124]

I agree tv today is garbage compared to the old DAYS

[@zep4426]

Rest In Peace, Johnny, and thank you SO MUCH for the memories.

[@tomedgar4375]

Prayers for Johnny, thank you for posting

[@hellsapoppin2048]

Even with his disease it is comforting to know he is still with us.

[@jozatexan1964]

Have any more tests like this? It was great. Daring to speak on behalf of subscribers, we aren't looking for perfection and don't care if videos are a little wild or mostly ad lib. We love the sharing.

[@nancydacey3772]

RIP Johnny. My idol from when I was 10 years old! I'm 70 now!

[@maddyhayes617]

Mine too and at almost 68!!. One of the students at our local John school could have been his "twin" 🙂

[@KutWrite]

Rob: Johnny's affliction is one reason your show serves an important purpose... besides entertaining us! Johnny had a fine voice. My sister gushed all over him - one reason I got to watch the Rifleman. She wanted to see it too.

[@douglasthompson9482]

Outstanding memory.....I love Johnny and the Gene Autry Museum. Thank you Rob for keeping the Westerns alive. Wow....Merry Christmas buddy.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Douglas. We'll keep 'em comin' at ya!

[@NormanLedoyen]

It is very touching to see this episode Rob. Really make me feel you should share all you have, no matter how it may not be up to par or your high standards. This was truly enjoying to watch. My best wishes to Johnny and I hope in some way he knows how much pleasure he brought to kids like myself at the time.

[@deerhoda7574]

Lovely treasure. Its seems he was in the very start.....as he explains "he gets distracted ". God bless him. This is what you do best Rob.....capture and preserve all those wonderful people on film for the future. So happy I found WOW.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Dee. Sure glad I had it to share. We had a lot of fun times together. It's tough to watch him now.

[@sherrihinton8567]

I can still cry watching some of episodes of Rifleman no matter how many times I've seen them. Thank you Johnny and Rob

[@vernondoane4865]

Rob, You are infectious and always pass the viewers test! Classic western and Johnny really added to the show. Wonderful child actor!! Thanks for sharing and Enjoy the Holidays!!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Vernon.

[@sue7777]

So this was just a test--it was an absolutely delightful test!! And if I don't do anything else "holiday related" this year, at least I was able to sing along with Johnny. You've stirred up some warm fuzzies along with a twinge of sadness. Thanks, Rob, for sharing this with us.

[@AWordonWesterns]

I'm happy to have spread some warm fuzzies to you, Sue. It's one virus I don't mind. Best to you in the new year!

[@Rangersly]

It is obvious that even back then his Alzheimer was starting to affect him ("what was the question again?"), Johnny was still a joy to listen to. I would have liked to know a little bit more on his days in the Mouseketeers, but it was nice to hear him talk about The Rifleman, the wranglers (unsung heroes of the western movies), Mabel Normand (impressive that such a young guy was interested in the silent movies era), and Chuck Connors of course! Thank you for sharing this Rob!

[@bobmartin3736]

Miss him sad

[@leonaduncan3047]

It's a dreadful disease, l will be praying for you Johnny 🙏 ❤ 😍You were a fantastic actor and I wish they knew how to make westerns now. Keep your chin up, you have a world of good friends ❤ 😍🙏oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

[@leonaduncan3047]

Thanks 😊 🙏

[@hiramnoone]

Glad you preserved this film and shared it with us, Rob. There's great charm in this unpolished format, Johnnie singing with his wife, informally sharing old stories, with everyone enjoying themselves at holiday time was a real treat. Captured from a happier day while Johnny's personality still shone, in context gives it a bitter sweetness that serves as a sad yet most enjoyable remembrance of someone who added great pleasure to all our lives. And in fact still does, God bless him.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Hiram. It's fun to remember. I'm glad we can.

[@jehobden]

RIP, Johnny! I like how he & his wife harmonized a bit while singing.

[@cliffordburdick6049]

wow i love to see these interviews it is so sad that we have lost most of the actors who were true professionals and gave us so many wonderful hours of entertainment it is wonderful that so much of the old westerns have been saved and available on dvd this was entertainment at it's finest my heart goes out to johnny if anyone reading this has not purchased his dvds you don't know what you are missing

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Clifford. His music DVDs sure bring lots of joy.

[@stevenk.1333]

Never had the opportunity of meeting Johnny Crawford but he seems down to earth, likeable, funny and all around great guy!

[@michaelmakes4883]

When johnny was little,he was a fan of silents and early talkies...he was thrilled to find that a lot of the extras ,etc. on the jobs he worked had been a part of those days,and it thrilled the old timers that a kid was not only interested in them,but often knew of them by name...

[@sandrafraser8120]

R.I.P Dear Johnny Crawford, our memories of you will live on.

[@kerridillon3120]

I grew up in the 1950's watching Johnny on the Rifleman & the original Micky Mouse Club! Thank you for sharing these precious memories! We are all getting older...just donated to Johnny's fund. Merry Christmas!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Kerri. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@angelaklinger2951]

Brings tears to my eyes.

[@takkmoran9770]

Many thanks for showing this Rob. Johnny was an iconic actor from that golden age of TV westerns and it's so sad to think about what he might still be able to do were it not for the devastating effects of Alzheimer's. Hopefully, the gofundme link you have included will get enough response to help with Johnny's struggle.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, takk.

[@notsosilentmajority1]

My Uncle Al played minor league ball with Chuck Connors. He is getting up there in years but his mind is still sharp. He still speaks very fondly of his minor league time spent with Chuck Connors. Johnny Crawford is in all of our prayers. God bless all of the wonderful actors and entertainers from years ago. Most of them had class and they had talent.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks for sharing.

[@krazykitty7277]

When I was pre-school age, we lived in Birmingham next door to another one of the Birmingham Barons players at that time, whose name I believe was Tom Hamilton. My parents met Chuck Conners through Mr Hamilton. I've been a lifelong fan of both Chuck Conners and Johnny Crawford. So sad to lose the last cast member of The Rifleman!

[@notsosilentmajority1]

@@krazykitty7277 Absolutely. Many things and most entertainers are just so different nowadays.

[@johnwesley8327]

Johnny Crawford and friends singing "Rudolph The Red nose Reindeer", now it feels like Christmas! Sorry to hear about Johnny's health, he is a great person and gives a very funny interview. Thanks Rob

[@waynegilchrist1596]

Thanks for sharing this with us Rob. What a treasured memory of this beloved star.

[@fougee1]

I lost my Dad a WW-2 Veteran to this ugly disease. It was hell watching him deteriorate and suffer. RIP Mr.Crawford

[@AWordonWesterns]

Sorry for your loss, fougee. My Mom, too, last year. It's tough on everyone.

[@avisswope6495]

LOVE JOHNNY CRAWFORD A WONDERFUL ACTOR & HANDSOME TOO LOVED RIFLEMAN I WATCHED IT GROWING UP & I AM 72 STILL WATCHING THE RERUNS IN 2021

[@AWordonWesterns]

Welcome to the Club, Avis!

[@GLRDesignsdotcom]

It's a little over a year since Johnny passed and my son and I just started watching the Rifleman. After every eposide one of us will say, "What a great show!" or "I love this show!" We've been researching Johnny's life and have been listening to his songs as well...what a BEAUTIFUL voice he had! Even when he was older, it was still lovely. So glad we're having the opportunity to watch videos like this...really enjoyed! Thank you for sharing!😃👍♥️

[@MyRanger12]

Another great video, I am so fortunate that I was able to spend a few days with Johnny and Charlotte at their homes before I deployed to Iraq in 2005. I cherish the pictures I have. Great job!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Danny, for your service. I'm glad you were able to spend time with them.

[@TheSharron]

His voice was perfection.R.I.P.,Johnny... Edited to add...thank you,so much for showing this,Mr.Word.It was delightful and funny.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, TS. I'm glad we did, too.

[@richardbann1269]

Seeing this now, seven years later, makes me feel good, and bad. Great, and sad. Sad because my pal Johnny Crawford is now a serious victim of Alzheimer's. Great because this was the fun-loving Johnny I've known since 1990. Yet even here in 2013 he was showing signs of his illness. Still, this was the guy everyone liked. He radiated good will for all his friends, always had a smile for us. Rob Word did a really fine job putting this tribute together. At the end, you'll see how you can donate any amount to help with Johnny's care. Of course, skip the ads. But later, do find Hoot Gibson's great B-Western, SUNSET RANGE (1935).

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Hoot.

[@corimcewen4536]

Even though it is so very sad to see how Johnny has declined, his sweet and fun personality just shone through! He will always be my childhood heart throb. I still watch all the reruns of the Rifleman!! Can never get enough! May Johnny live the remaining years of his life with peace and joy! Every moment is new! Thank you so very much for sharing this treasure of a video 💕🥰

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thank you, Cori. Glad we had it to share.

[@Ronin4614]

Hello, Rob. I did not know johnny was a Mouseketeer. Such a great time with Johnny and looking back at The Rifleman. The very best to Johnny and his family. Thank you Rob for airing the “test”, it gets an A +. Take care, Rob.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Jim.

[@dalecomer5951]

OG Mouseketeer.

[@krazykitty7277]

Fascinating interview! His voice was still great at that time! Sure wish I'd had a chance to meet him.

[@markdezii]

I thorughly enjoyed this video. God rest Johnny's soul. What a beautiful human being he was. Johnny was funny even when he wasnt trying to be.

[@edwardstowers7272]

Thanks, Rob. The Rifleman is my favorite TV western ever, and Johnny was half of that show. As Mark he has spent years with us in our living rooms. As a young boy in 1958 I identified with him. What a pleasure it would have been to sit and ask him memories of those years. What a great guy. Thanks for putting this up. Johnny remains close to our hearts.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Edward.

[@ksw501]

Thanks so much for posting this video. I very much enjoyed seeing this side of Johnny. He also had a great voice he shared with us in his music career. Thanks again for sharing this moment in time.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, wsk. Yes, he certainly did have a great voice.

[@mtatom92345]

I was drafted into the Army on December 23, 1965 and went to Ft. Bliss, Texas. Johnny was there as well and put on a small show for all of us at the Reception Center on Christmas Eve. He sang a song or two and did some rope tricks. He was very friendly and all us guys appreciated his down-to-Earth personality. RIP

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Michael. Nice memories.

[@MThomas001]

That was great. You have a great way about interviews and it is like we get to be in your living room with the guest too. Thanks

[@rosebutler9586]

What a marvelous child actor, singer and overall guy! I hope some of his great stories were written down for public reading. It’s obvious here that the Alzheimer’s is in it’s earliest stages. What an awful disease.

[@keithbuckenmeyer8659]

Thanks Rob! I just loved it. 😀👍

[@bluey7007]

Could see bobby was strugling but so glad you posted this rob..bobby was such a funny guy...RIP johny..

[@AmericanPatriot-q6h]

He was a teen idol back in the day. But a fine young actor. Singer. Was a wonderful man. Not many from my Era are left. I grew up on black and white tv. Westerns. The best time for television and having our Idols to watch every week.

[@reg2022]

I am glad you published this, it was great to watch.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Reg.

[@thomasnorton5086]

Rob, thank you for sharing this video of Johnny Crawford. He and I are about same age. It is sad to see someone my age with this terrible disease. I was a caregiver for my dad 2011-2015. He suffered from alzhiemers. Dad passed in 2015. I'll keep Johnny in my prayers.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Thomas. I lost my Mother to Alzheimer's last Spring. It's tough on everyone. Very sad. So sorry about your Dad.

[@lindafurr2404]

Thanks for this one, Rob. I love the Rifleman and Johnny Crawford. He and Chuck Conners were believable as father and son. Johnny was such a good actor. I’ve worked with Alzheimer’s patients before. It’s such a sad disease. It robs them of who they were.

[@alvilla9659]

Thank you Rob for that episode God bless Johnny Crawford

[@Johnboy1951]

I am 73 , and I think i have seen every western ever on TV at least once..

[@AWordonWesterns]

I'm older, Johnboy. Aren't we lucky that so many are being rebroadcast in (mostly) beautiful condition. Yee ha!

[@riverhawkenw]

Thank you so much for sharing!!! Life is about all the good times . . .

[@AWordonWesterns]

You got that right!

[@traceybacus325]

Thanks for sharing this Rob! I have shared it on the Johnny Crawford Legacy Facebook page.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Tracey. I'm sure glad we kept a copy of it.

[@marilyn6604]

🎼🌹a cowboy and a musician. RIP Johnny Crawford.

[@maryallen5713]

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends. LEGEND !!

[@davidcallahan2230]

Thanks for sharing this. It's something special for all of us

[@AWordonWesterns]

Absolutely!

[@rosemarie3784]

I love him! The Rifle Man" is shown on TV six days s wesk! I never grow tired of seeing it. We are blessed that Johnny Crawford is still with us, prayers for him and his family. I loved the way the interview went, having a live audience. God bless you!

[@comedyshorts2]

Great tribute video . I first met Dick Bann at Len Maltin's New Jersey home in the 70's. We have been film collector friends for nearly 50 years.

[@AWordonWesterns]

thanks, Ralph. I had lunch with Dick last week and teased him about this Wednesday's rare B western on WORD'S WAYBACK. It's CIRCLE CANYON from 1933 and is just....hypnotic! I'll let Dick you of your note. He's still screening 16mm every night!!!

[@deerhoda7574]

May Johnny rest in peace. Always a pleasure to see stars being people ;) lovely.

[@mildbill2806]

Many thanks Rob. To see Johnny even in his early, early stages of the disease......well......he still could make us smile, and laugh. I pray for him and his family.

[@Rick1959]

Thank You for sharing this with the people who've spent a lifetime enjoying Johnny Crawford :-) I hope you let him know we still LOVE him!! :-)

[@AWordonWesterns]

I will try! Thanks, Rick.

[@Eaglerow77]

It really sucks that our childhood heros are leaving us for good. Johnny Crawford inspired me to adopt good morales and values. Of course my elders taught me those lessons but, to see a kid my age say and do things that exemplifie those was huge lessons. RIP" . Thanks for the memories. My favorite episode is when mark and Lucas are taken hostage by martin landaue and 2 other Mexicans and Lucas is tied up in the desert and they break free and overtake the to 2 Mexican guy's and make it back to the town where they finally take on martin landaue and win their freedom. Great episode.

[@ronundies9583]

Precious. Johnny is a National Treasure. Thanks for sharing!

[@AWordonWesterns]

We agree! Thanks, Ron.

[@johncooper5777]

My grandmother died from Alzheimers. My heart and prayers goes out to Johnny and his family.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, John. Sorry about your grandmother.

[@12ernie]

Another Great show! Thank you so much for making them!

[@bonkers5016]

I have been devastated since he passed. I'm 55 and he is just remarkable! I'm a semi new fan and I haven't missed one episode. Johnny will always be in my heart.

[@kenhurley4441]

Thanks for another great video. Yea,,,, off the cuff and not structured,,,, but that is why it's so great! As we all get older it's harder for us to even function. Johhny is 4 years older than me and if it wasn't for my picture on my drivers license,,,, I wouldn't know who I am!

[@lifeloveandliberty2092]

Totally enjoyed this one thank you so much for sharing!

[@davidschlecht3016]

A great tribute to you for showing this recording with Johnny Crawford and is many talents. The alzheimer's is so destructive, and it is so sad the towl it has taken on him and his many friends and family.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, David.

[@ricardomurrieta6601]

Thank you. Please check for more of these touching segments. We attended many of these Cowboy lunches. Can’t wait til we are able to do so again.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Ricardo. I'm getting anxious to continue as well!

[@dennydeckerful]

Thanks Rob and thanks for posting the go fund me link.

[@davidskaar3232]

So many good memories of a great show so many of us grew up with. God bless him and his family.

[@jerrybischoff4268]

I love the rifleman show Jonny was a good in the show im sorry he past away im his same age as Johnny Crawford

[@georgepatterson2067]

So sorry that Johnny Crawford pass a way , he was my favorite star as well as Roy Rogers as well as other cowboy stars. I use to lived in Hesperia, CA, when there was a Hesperia Days Parade I saw Johnny Crawford rode his horse on main street as grand marshal leading the way to the rodeo. I don't know what year it was, Johnny and I were close to the same age.

[@Believe-mm3eb]

Thank you for such a wonderful video. I’m so happy you decided to show it. Happy Holidays!

[@Madmanmarque]

Thanks. Please post some more of these.

[@Orrymain1]

He definitely has a great sense of humor. I'm glad you decided to share it with us. The Rudolph singalong was great fun!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@richardweber7898]

Enjoyed every show….R.I.P. Johnny 🙏🏻

[@originalman7914]

Wow just found out jonny passed away Great young actor!Rifleman will live 4eva

[@jimross7648]

I think you have maintained the vibe of friends just talking about how films and performances came to be. The production got a little tighter, but the vibe remains, and that's why this channel succeeds in bringing the subject matter alive. Test OK, but it was definitely broadcast ready. Like many, I'm glad the tests provided a proof of the concept, so that you decided "A Word On Westerns" should be sent out to a wider audience.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Jim.

[@scottwilson9773]

Born in 61. Having no idea when these series were filmed. Reruns were new beyond my imagination. But paw is stuck into my head from Johnny Crawford. 🤫🍻🇺🇸🙃

[@gregdavis19]

Very enjoyable, thank you. Hoot Gibson hometown was just north of here in Tekamah, Nebraska. They have the annual Hoot Gibson memorial rodeo every year. It’s such a small town Hoot is their only claim to fame, lol.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Hoot was a favorite of mine, too. Do they still have the Hoot Gibson rodeo?

[@gregdavis19]

@@AWordonWesterns I believe so. The rodeo arena is on the west side of town with a large sign that reads, Home of Hoot Gibson memorial rodeo. I don’t get to Tekamah much anymore. I used to be a deputy sheriff in the neighboring county on the south side of Burt county where Tekamah is. If interested please contact the City of Tekamah Nebraska.

[@barbaralavoie1045]

Loved Johnny Crawford and still watch reruns of the Rifleman!❤️💕