I Married Johnny Crawford and never saw THE RIFLEMAN! Exclusive with Charlotte McKenna Crawford

Johnny Crawford met his future wife in high school. Charlotte was shy, spunky, attractive and fun, but she had no idea who the Emmy-nominated Pop star was! They clicked! “Maybe because I didn’t know about him,” she recalled to Rob Word, June 2023, back in her home state of South Dakota. After graduating from Hollywood High School, Johnny and Charlotte drifted apart and didn’t get married until years later Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1995.
Following Johnny’s slow death due to Alzheimer’s, April 29, 2021, Charlotte moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, to be with her daughter (from a previous marriage) and family. In this exclusive conversation at her home, Charlotte recalls the love, the music, and the memories of life with Johnny and his circle of friends.
For more about Johnny, including interviews with Johnny and his older brother, Robert, check out our A WORD ON WESTERNS Playlist for Johnny Crawford by using the Link at the end of this episode.
Thanks for watching our show. Don’t forget to Subscribe and Share this episode of A WORD ON WESTERNS. If you’re one of our Patreon Members, you are helping deliver quality programs and, as a member, can watch them with no commercials. We appreciate your support.
/ awow #interview #riflemen #tv #tvclassics #TVwestern #johnnycrawford #actor #hollywood #romance #marriage #highschool #singer #robword #wordonwesterns #alzheimer

[@wesmcgee1648]

Still watch The Rifleman every weekday. Johnny was such a sweet soul.

[@bubbasouth69]

I’m watching The Rifleman right now. Awesome show!

[@lpheitman]

I know Charlotte as Johnny's biggest fan and tireless supporter, especially through his illness. I was honored to work with her for a short time towards the end of Johnny's life here on earth. She was always in good spirits, optimistic, forward thinking and worked very hard taking care of him and raising money for his care. Charlotte excelled at being a great wife. Rob, you are such a good friend to all these people who invested their lives entertaining us, but sadly time has forgotten. Thank you for bringing them back into our lives.

[@tomjones2348]

Wonderful interview! Being born in 57', I grew up watching the Rifleman. Johnny was amazing. He didn't playing it like a child actor doing a part. He made it real.

[@katemaloney4296]

Johnny's singing voice was that of an angel. I could listen to him sing 'How High The Moon' every day and never get tired of hearing it. It's weird that just the other day I was thinking of Johnny and wondering how his wife was faring. Her heartbreak is still evident, but it's nice to know she's found a way to smile and persevere.

[@azohundred1353]

Johnny Crawford gave a great performance in the underrated short film, The Resurrection Of Broncho Billy (1970), which won an Oscar and was co-written by John Carpenter, no less. I definitely recommend it. Thanks for the wonderful interview with Charlotte, Rob!

[@AWordonWesterns]

That's such a fun film, azo. I even have a 1-sheet poster from it.

[@barrygioportmorien1]

I have never heard of that movie, I would love to see it, He also made a movie about an Indian, can't remember the title, I would like to see it also again. I have always been a fan of Johnny's and love the recordings he made in his singing career in the 50's and 60's I have many of his songs among my favourites, and still listen to them..

[@richb313]

Great interview with Charlotte Loved the Rifleman and the chemistry between Johnny and Chuck but it was the music that made Charlotte and Johnny finally unite. Thanks for her stories and yours Rob.

[@user-ti2bc8gd6c]

Charlotte McKenna Crawford,Thanking you so much for your beautiful story about you & Johnny Crawford,May God Bless You xoxo

[@JanesDough855]

What a sweet lady. I loved the Rifleman. No one else could have played that part better than Johnny Crawford!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, RMA. He was so very talented!

[@paulkitt-er9dr]

Thanks for this interview Rob. Johnny sounded like a special person and friend.

[@AWordonWesterns]

He was both, paul. Thanks.

[@user-zx1lg4oe4f]

I always enjoy your interviews. Johnny Crawford was such a wonderful actor. The Rifleman was one of my favorite shows.

[@elizabethbeckman1947]

Personal and ordinary and yet extraordinary - one of my favorites, Rob. The camera is perfect. Charlotte's story, their story, makes me feel so good. Love AWOW! A reminder (to me) - never giving up on today for tomorrow's opportunities, surprises, are right around the corner.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, elizabeth. Charlotte is delightful. I was kind of afraid the roving cat may steal the spotlight but I think it only added to the casual atmosphere. Funny!

[@williambilyeu9801]

A nice interview and tribute to Johnny Crawford, Rob! I also liked the scenery and the cars, especially the old 1934 Cord.

[@ladycharsw]

Us girls always watched the Rifleman. We lived in Turner Oregon/ Salem Oregon. We lived 10 miles out of town. My name is Charlotte also.♥️🙏🙋. Charlotte and Roz are in Oregon and California. Roz is a sister..Miss Johnny. 😪

[@daneriksson8947]

The best KZbin channel strikes again. Thanks Rob!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Dan. I'm lucky to have terrific guests and viewers that make it worthwhile. Nobody else has the strength to do a weekly show like this!

[@markmathews8636]

Another fantastic episode. Thanks once again.

[@smedleybutler1969]

What a beautiful lady I see why he married her!

[@TheAnneAZ]

My favorite couple. Dick Stewart told Johnny to form an orchestra and perform that music after playing for him at our house. Dick started The Letterman and hosted a #1 music show in San Francisco. He had an eye for talent and Johnny had it. I miss them both so very much.😢

[@US_Joe]

Thank you for another great episode Rob. Have a good week my friend. 🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎

[@maryuline2585]

Wow, so very interesting. It's always good to hear stories from people around the "stars" who have unique experiences and perspectives.

[@SusanH4626]

❤Rob you are outstanding at interviewing! Charlotte was very sweet and I loved how you encouraged and gently guided her. The cat was endearing also! Thank you!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Wow, Susan. Meow. Thank you!

[@rosezingleman5007]

Beanie & Cecil was the dinosaur show she’s thinking of. “A Bob Clampett Cartoooon!” It was on KTLA in the mornings when I was growing up a bit after her time.

[@AWordonWesterns]

I think she was talking about Bob Clampett's live late 1940s B&W puppet show, A TIME FOR BEANY, Rose. Thanks.

[@tonyjones9715]

Thanks Rob 👏👏👏

[@mikeyantis8067]

Thankyou Rob. Enjoy your interviews and bringing back memories of the westerns shows I grew up with. Charlotte is definitely authentic and appreciate her sharing info on Johnny that was new to me.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, mikey. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@cindyhorn5786]

When he was in my Texas, I got his autograph while in Furr’s Cafeteria, in Odessa . I was in high school. He is my idol!

[@jeffrobdine]

Did you think he was singing "Cinday's Birthday" to you?

[@shirleys765]

Still watching The Rifleman everyday. Johnny was the best!

[@atreb56]

Loved this interview. Charlotte is a sweetheart and so interesting. I enjoy watching The Rifleman daily. Miss Johnny and I'm glad that I'm able to see his work.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@oscarman58]

Charlotte is a very likable and interesting lady. Nice interview. Cool looking cat too 😎

[@aileenwagner2576]

Thank u for this! Johnny did indeed have a wonderful voice and he was such a talented actor. So nice to see this interview, thanks again!!❤

[@Buzz1151]

hey Rob, anytime you have stuff on The Rifleman, and Chuck Conners, and the great Johnny Crawford is a winner.. Loved the interview with Charlotte...A++👍👍

[@colinduff2922]

I think that cartoon that Charlotte was trying to remember was "Beany & Cecil". Cecil was the "seasick serpent".

[@KyleCowden]

I recently watched "Bill Tilghman and the Outlaws". Johnny Crawford had a ride on part as William S Hart and did some really cool rope tricks. But you could see the Alzheimer's had already advanced. I choked up.

[@carlevans5760]

Excellent as always. He did it all. Acting, singing and rodeo. I never knew he sang nor fenced. All I can say is WOW Johnny and Rest in Peace sir. I'd like to see your series Crossbow and would love to add it to my DvDs.

[@AWordonWesterns]

I'd like to see it on DVD, too, carl. It was a long time ago and is sort of a forgotten series. We did a movie pilot, THE ADVENTURES OF WILLIAM TELL that introduced Johnny's character. Lots of fun times in the south of France.

[@carlevans5760]

@@AWordonWesterns Thank you Rob. I wonder what the process is on getting things like that on something for sale? I know that it'll be something of quality knowing who was involved.

[@docbrown6550]

Another Great one, Thank you 👍👍👍👍🙏🙏

[@mandymine4963]

Yes! That's what came to my mind!

[@courtneyhall7140]

rob,this is one of the best interviews i have seen.i as well as you grew up watching johnny on the disney shorts as well as all the other things he was doing.i just turned 75 in august and i can't even imagine what has happened to all the years gone by.i just wanted to say thanks for you doing word on westerns,it somehow makes me young again,thanks rob. ........ty santee......on the brazos.

[@ginnywalker184]

Thank you for another wonderful interview. I always find them so interesting and heartwarming.

[@grahamhill6340]

JOHNNY CRAWFORD had quite a career as a child actor starting out on the Mickey Mouse Club before becoming Mark on the iconic THE RIFLEMAN tv show. It's charming that Charlotte had never seen Johnny's performances on that, but reconnected with him in 1990 through his singing. Acting wise his best dramatic role came in 1968 in the first season of HAWAII FIVE-O as Private Jerry Franklin, a Vietnam vet on R&R who goes looking for his buddy's killer in Honolulu. Charlotte speaks her mind particularly on meeting Hugh O'Brian who she found really stuck-up and worse, but then a good many people have told me that about him both actors and crew. So Charlotte good on you, one thing about getting old is that you can really speak your mind when ever you want, and that's very refreshing in these ultra-PC "keep me safe" times. Good interview Rob, very natural and Charlotte's twenty-six year marriage to Johnny was always romantic and loving I'm sure, complete with having her own old-time singing Romeo to serenade her!

[@jackyoung2499]

Enjoyed the interview! What a sweet lady! I just thought about what would be a great interview. Bobby Vinton! I was listening to a couple of his songs and remembered he was in Big Jake and Train Robbers. He lives in Englewood, Fl. Duke must’ve liked him.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Good idea, jacky.

[@mernarodway7301]

This interview is the BEST! Thanks Rob 👍❤👍

[@ericcrawford3453]

Good stuff! Thanks Rob .

[@janishuey3639]

My first visit to South Dakota I fell in love with the rolling grasslands. The other attractions were just icing on the cake, imo.

[@Paladin1873]

I've only seen one episode of Crossbow, but I enjoyed it. I remember Johnny Crawford was playing an effete prince. It was the first time I'd seen him in anything since John Wayne's El Dorado. Now I'll have to look for the series.

[@tombankwel4822]

Wonderfull Lady, great interview a real southern belle, thanks lord Rob Word of Word on Westerns laird of Word manor your friend tom now and always 🤩 🤩 USA 😎 the rifle man, cool 😊😊😊😊

[@user-ti2bc8gd6c]

I still watch The Rifleman every evening for about the 12.time the whole 5.seasons,especially if there is nothing else on.& he sang 2.songs in the whole 5.episodes & I play them about 5-6.times before I go to the next eposide.I hhe show,xoxoave a smart TV.so I can watch any time,I just love it, xoxo

[@pjoe1950]

I worked with a gentleman that used to work with Johnny when he was in the Army. They both worked together in what was known as the Army Pic Center which made training films for the service. My friend Pete was quite a bit older than Johnny and he was a kind of mentor to him on how the Army did things. Pete would tell me that he never met a better young man with a good head on his shoulders than young Johnny and loved working with him for a couple of years.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Very nice to hear, Joe. Thanks

[@OdeeOz]

Thanks countless times Rob, for keeping the many memories of our Heroes and Role Models alive and well. 10 &👍👍 Oh how this brings back to mind, the Trick Roping and songs he did on set of his last film, _The Marshall_ bring back so many great memories.

[@saiyongdawn7756]

Awe, what a sweet interview. Nice to learn more about one of my fav child actors. Always want to hear about Johnny Crawford adult life, life after the Rifleman. Thanks. A word on Westerns. My grandparents had a creek in the back of their home, but nowhere this size. ❤

[@arlineabdalian8974]

Many thanks, Rob, RJ, and Team AWOW, for this very interesting interview. I grew up on The Rifleman and still watch its episodes on KZbin. Of course, I greatly admired Johnny in not only that show but throughout his acting career. His widow Charlotte is delightful. Many thanks again for this important oral history. Best of health to you all.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Arline. Glad you enjoyed Charlotte's memories. I STILL watch THE RIFLEMAN often! They always have such positive stories. Johnny rocks!

[@arlineabdalian8974]

@@AWordonWesterns Agreed, Rob. So many favorite episodes. Wish it had gone on for another season or two.

[@funfoodandfamily867]

I watch the rifleman every day, love johnny

[@christopherallen9580]

Very cool Rob, one of your best ever episodes!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, chris

[@lescook9021]

So many have already said what I was thinking, so I'll simply say, thank you once again.

[@AWordonWesterns]

You’re very welcome, Les. Thank you.

[@unclerog]

Howdy from Billings Montana...I spent almost 30 years in the Phoenix area as well as other places I had lived growing up but been back here in Billings since June 2016...I was born in Rapid City South Dakota actually...Really like your content here...Great Stuff!!!!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks for sharing, Uncle, I like Billings, too.

[@PhilippinesFarmLife]

I love The Facillitators Laugh. Your best comment was "I hope he paid better"😎

[@julieackles7297]

A charming episode

[@kansascityonline]

hey! I am comment 100.. woohooo.. Thoroughly enjoyed the interview!.. Thanks so much..

[@AWordonWesterns]

Yay! Thank you!

[@gregpolutanovich1774]

In my opinion The Rifleman was the best t.v westerns ever produced.I met Johnny afew times and seemed very nice but got the impression he tried to live down the Rifleman.Saw him at a western festival several years ago in Palm Springs and he was on stage doing a Rifleman talk with Chuck Connors son Jeff and Johnny’s answers to questions were literally yes and no.Felt bad for Jeff as he took it seriously..Jeff Connors (RIP) was super nice and very gracious.

[@johngomes4278]

Johnny was great 👍

[@ScotWalt858]

A very special Lady!

[@barbararustici574]

Thanks👍🏻 Mr Word end lovely lady

[@gerrydooley951]

What is amazing about Johnny and his rodeo days was that he was more of a cowboy than Chuck Connors, John Wayne etc.. but he's not thought of that way. We have such a skewed view of reality as a result of our pop culture.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Johnny was amazing in so many ways, gerry. Thanks.

[@philwebb3]

Another fantastic informative video - Thanks

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you enjoyed it, phil.

[@Lonepatriot69]

Wow great interview.I am sitting here watching The rifleman as I do daily.I have wondered who mark McCain really was?Great life he lived.beautiful wife

[@lsavell01]

I thoroughly enjoyed this interview with Charlotte. She's a beautiful & charming lady. Johnny Crawford was such an awesome & talented guy. I loved everything he did. I'm glad he had Charlotte & was so happy. God bless Johnny.❤

[@FilbinCreekPhil]

Finally watched this, love the rifleman and she is adorable.;-)

[@Bendito2006]

I think Johnny fell in love with Charlotte because she's so sweet. Not knowing who he was was just a bonus, I'll bet. It's obvious they loved each other a lot.

[@efhs1970]

Maybe she was thinking of Cecil the Sea Sick Serpent!💫

[@mjemigh3304]

Another winner of an interview, Rob! I don't think I ever ran into Johnny, but I loved his music. I had a friend who was much-aligned but brilliant in several ways. You may remember Tiny Tim. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of the music from the teens, twenties, and thirties of that century we left behind a while ago. It would have been interesting to get those two together. Tiny was at best an oddball, but he really knew his stuff and was a blast to hang with. I don't know how much research Johnny put into the songs that he brought to the stage. Probably quite a bit, but Tiny had an interesting story about almost every song of those decades. Often, the story was better than the song! Somewhere I know that I have a CD of Johnny and his band, and every track is a winner. Naturally, I was a fan of "The Rifleman" which was new when I was a kid. Not too long ago, I saw your "Bill Tillman" film and thought that it was a really nice gesture to put your friend in it. And he almost LOOKED like William S. Hart! I kinda missed his acting career between those two things, but I DID pay attention to his music over the past couple of decades. LOVED it! -MJ

[@AWordonWesterns]

Sure would have, mj. Mr. Tim was on my 1970s interview series STARDOM.

[@mjemigh3304]

@@AWordonWesterns Well, I can't find the CD I mentioned in the second paragraph. I'm thinking it may have been a download that vanished into oblivion. -MJ

[@AliceTolson]

Interesting..thx for sharing. I watched the Rifleman growing up..

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you enjoyed it, Alice. Thanks.

[@thedoxinator3934]

Rob 👍🇺🇸

[@Historian212]

I enjoyed seeing this, had no idea of Johnny’s music connection. It would have been a better interview, though, if the person who prepped her had gotten the info about how she and Johnny broke up and got back together in advance. That way, if she froze on camera or had a memory lapse, the interviewer could have prompted her. Or if they’d researched it beforehand. Because that’s stuff that interests most people. It’s really a missed opportunity.

[@marksheffer625]

Now that is cool

[@chrisreeves8037]

1 pm, summer cloudless day, the TV picture turned to snow/static. This part of the reason why many rural "boomers" did not watch classic TV like Rifleman until the reruns years later. We lived just over the horizon of the local station 90 miles away, if it did not air Saturday morn then then us kids did not view it. There were a few agriculture people in the county who did not receive TV in the expanse of West Texas in the decade of the 60's. This could explain why she did not know of the Rifleman. Myself only knew of it as kids at elementary school spoke of it. The guys mostly talked about the modified rifle.

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Enjoyed again, Rob

[@alvilla9659]

Maybe you can interview the cats next time Wonderful interview Rob thank you.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Ha! Thanks.

[@bethdavis7812]

Johnny stayed many nights for years with Hef and the girls at the mansion and Charlotte and him were split for years but not divorced. They got back together not that long before his memory failure. They count those years i with how long they were married.

[@waynestevenson9613]

Always someone diggin up bones! I guess your life has been spotless. Good job!

[@bethdavis7812]

@@waynestevenson9613 It was well known in his fan club and why lie about it---go ahead and cover up some more, that is what Hollywood is best at MAKE BELIEVE.

[@TheVid54]

@@waynestevenson9613 I remember Johnny in THE NAKED APE with Victoria Principal. It was a tripped out picture based on Desmond Morris's bestselling book. Hugh Hefner co-produced it after Universal (rightfully so, it turned out) put the project in turnaround. Johnny's full frontal was a big part of the publicity on it, but it was still a big flop. It's out on blu-ray now. You should check it out Wayne baby!

[@TheUkulelegal]

Hi Charlotte! Did you move back to SD? Love seeing you again.

[@AWordonWesterns]

She did!

[@sdhscrosscountry]

I love the Rifleman

[@susanbandel1998]

Went to school with Charlotte aka Tinker. Philip SD. SUSAN McKay

[@hiramnoone]

Sweet lady, who made a great choice in husbands from the perspective of we Rifleman fans. Johnny was a wonderful actor on that show, and his talent didn't stop there. Singer, musician, and rodeo rider. Who was better than Johnny? Sinatra... Elvis maybe. But I doubt either of them ever roped a steer.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Hilarious!

[@peggieudengwuarzuudengwu7531]

She knew Johnny Crawford.

[@beevee4445]

In the photo, along with Johnny, I recognize - Robert Culp, Mel Torme. For the life of me, I cannot think of the name of the man behind Mel Torme - (a singer -help) :) Sorry, don't know others.

[@davidhileman8251]

Chuck McCann "Hi Guy!"

[@AWordonWesterns]

I believe that's Jerry Vale, bv. I don't have a list of the names. Perhaps Dick Bann, standing in the back with Johnny, can help. In front of him I recognize band leader Ray Anthony. You're correct about Robert Culp, too.

[@beevee4445]

Thank you! Yes - Jerry Vale :)@@AWordonWesterns

[@lpheitman]

Please let Charlotte know that I'm thinking of her. I lost contact with her when she moved from LA Thank you. Larry Heitman

[@AWordonWesterns]

Done. Thanks, Larry.

[@johnnewcomb534]

This reminds me as it was of two long friends reminiscing of younger days.Not a real interview

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, john. I always try to make them like a conversation, different from typical interviews.

[@maryconnor5534]

I was just thinking about beeny and cecil was a sea sick sea surpent.

[@gerrydooley951]

the whole Playboy mansion thing is, to me, so odd and unwholesome and not a place where you'd think Johnny Crawford would be

[@davidg5629]

I had no idea Johnny did rodeo. He was for real.

[@AWordonWesterns]

He was amazing.

[@PaulShaw-ex7ri]

How elusive was that , she really didnt answer anything.

[@georgeeriversjr7307]

Like she’s on her way to something too

[@peggieudengwuarzuudengwu7531]

I don't believe she know Johnny Crawford.

[@gerrydooley951]

It's interesting but I have heard nothing but negative stories about Hugh O'Brian

[@mark-shane]

I mean I know these old actors are all dying but now interviewing the partners /wives of childhood actors .. oh dear

[@lshgilbert5797]

Charlotte was well known to all of us who love Johnny. She would write updates to us on Johnny's Legacy page every week and let us know how he was doing. She WAS our link to Johnny and I know many fans appreciate seeing her again and how she is doing.

[@donaldoneill2117]

She has nothing to say, real boring. He has to drag words out if her

[@marbleman52]

Very poignant. Charlotte was really involved with a lot of Johnny's shows...neat. Hey, Rob....in the picture at Hefner's place...17:05...and at Hefner's immediate right, is that Mel Torme? I am 72 and I have known of Mel for most of my life, but until maybe 10 years ago, I thought he was just another night club crooner. I didn't know what a great 'scat' singer he was, a great drummer, and band leader. I think it was Sinatra that said something such as he thought Torme had one of the best voices he had ever heard.

[@hollywoodmediaprofessional3282]

I recognize him as Mel Torre.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Yep. That’s Mel. He’d had a stroke.

[@marbleman52]

@@AWordonWesterns....Thanks. It's always sad to see once vibrant and talented people get sick like that...or with Alzheimer...the one sickness that I fear above all the others.

[@galencox4278]

A great interview Rob, Charlotte is an interesting interview. When Johnny was alive, I would converse with Charlotte thru E=Mails keeping up dated on his health. One of the saddest days of my life was when I heard Johnny had passed.😪

[@donaldoneill2117]

Saddest days really? U must have no family that died that u knew as well as Johnnie huh😅😅

[@donaldoneill2117]

No wonder he got Alzheimer's talking to her would give me fits

[@brentveber4105]

I am a number 1 fan of the rifleman. After seeing this interview l don't think charlotte knew what she had, she seems obvious and not caring of Johnny's career. He deserved better! She seems she doesn't care at all!!!