Johnny Crawford 1983 profile & interview with Chuck Connors remarks

Johnny Crawford is interviewed at home in this 1983 profile of the actor / singer / musician. Crawford talks about working with Chuck Connors on "The Rifleman" TV series and of being a child actor. Includes video of Crawford singing while playing guitar, and also driving his vintage automobile. Chuck Connors remarks on how he admires Crawford as a person. Crawford also talks about feeling gratified in his endeavors as an actor performing in stage plays. Johnny Crawford died in Los Angeles at age 75 on April 29, 2021. 🅲🅲 / @tvcrewguy

[@aarontachyon]

I've always liked Johnny Crawford. Still can't believe he's gone. Rest in peace.

[@Ducksinarow...]

My brother and I met him when he returned from the Military back in the 60's, he was a very nice person.

[@dustinolvey8877]

He could still laso at the end.

[@tvcrazyman]

Very sad.

[@genevamartin7501]

I had no idea he was a musician...

[@aarontachyon]

@@genevamartin7501 Yeah, he was really passionate about music.

[@tech568]

The Rifleman show was and still is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 in 2022

[@daffyduck9901]

I watch it nightly

[@MizzKittie]

I watch it every afternoon..

[@jazzij999]

Ikr I be watching it everyday I have it playing all through the day and night on philo and pluto

[@shirleys765]

@@MizzKittie me too. I love that show.

[@IamTanikaOwens]

I literally love this show. I’m still on season 1. I just found this a couple months ago ❤️

[@leerothman7570]

Back when a show like his actually had morals being taught. Those days are long gone sadly

[@julianmarsh1378]

Old TV westerns were all mini-morality plays...by the time of the spaghetti westerns, it was all about body counts and trash talking. Decline not only of the western but of American culture.

[@lettiegrant9447]

So true.👍

[@Ace1King1]

I'll always remember them washing those dishes!

[@glw5166]

They still have networks like UP that have modern moral based shows.

[@GillAgainsIsland12]

Yes, TV as it was MEANT to be. As God wanted it to be.

[@wesmcgee1648]

I still watch the rifleman every weekday. Both Johnny and Chuck are dearly missed by fans.

[@Harley08]

Ignore the ignorance of Trolls Trolling.

[@Harley08]

@King Royal 👈🏼 No Troll allowed. 😈

[@julianmarsh1378]

@@Harley08 I am following your wise advice. Trolls should stay under bridges, where they belong.

[@wesmcgee1648]

@King Royal the man's been dead since 1992. Why can't you separate classic entertainment from the politics of a long dead person? Damn.

[@jefferyepstein9210]

Great show that would never be made today. If made today Lucas would have been a bumbling weak idiot with an ex wife who is a strong powerful career driven woman putting Lucas in his place on every episode. Mark would be gender confused and an anti gun activist. Micah would be played by a woman of color with questionable sexuality.

[@Douglas-up2vh]

I'm 60 and watch nothing but Classic tv..Rifle man is one of them..TV was pure back then..RIP Johnny and Chuck

[@GunsHarleysUSA]

Johnny was the best child actor I have ever seen, he played Mark McCain like he was really Mark McCain himself, now that’s what you call a TRUE TO LIFE ACTOR...R.I.P. Johnny Crawford, We Love You..🙏🙏🙏

[@lettiegrant9447]

He was excellent in the Rifleman. He could shed tears when he needed to that most actors can't do.

[@joyceleeder8762]

ditto

[@russellgrimes3491]

He was an amazing child actor. However, that talent didn’t carry over to adulthood.

[@debracarter5315]

I concur!!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@briancoughlin6732]

The best father and son pair on TV

[@socalifone3044]

I would have to include Andy and Opie also.

[@jamesthefirst8790]

@@socalifone3044... what about Bill Bixby and Brandon Cruz?

[@Johnwillbegone]

What about Fred and Lamont?😂

[@gailreese4102]

Had the pleasures of meeting Johnny several times over the years, at autograph shows. He was every bit as Chuck Connors described him to be, and more! Such a kind sweet soul!

[@stevejones7079]

Chuck Conners and Johnny Crawford are the most down to earth actors I've ever discovered on TV a great pair for The Rifleman

[@jeffreyg4626]

I still watch the show. It beats the mostly crap they make today.

[@stevejones7079]

@@jeffreyg4626 Totally agree 👍

[@autumn1231]

i approached chuck connors in 1977 and I asked him for an autograph and let's just say he was a real prick. i was just a kid at the time too. maybe he was just having an off day.

[@greenbeagle13]

@@autumn1231 That maks me sorta' sad... 😥😥

[@THE-HammerMan]

@@autumn1231 I gave a 👍, because you mentioned an "off" day. The setting & circumstance might have had something to do with that. Some days stars want to be regular people and not hounded for pics or autographs. An "off" day, most assuredly!

[@GillAgainsIsland12]

The Rifleman series was a great tribute to the single father. Usually it's the single mother raising the child, or children. But in the Rifleman it was a single father. And his love for his son was just as powerful and nurturing as any mother's. Great role model.

[@bbygrl2812]

My grandson is 5 and he loves The Rifleman. Johnny was such a sincere, talented little guy.

[@piscesempress1978]

My kids love the show too, we watch it on METV at 3 and 3:30 daily.

[@bbygrl2812]

@@piscesempress1978 yep and on demand too

[@rickykenny4257]

Mark on The Rifleman, and Opie on Andy Griffith the two best father son duos ever on television! I'm 61 years old and still watching those shows on ME TV every day here in Chicago!

[@alpagano50]

He set a example to all other child actors and with the highest goals for all.

[@lorettaprater7256]

I really enjoyed watching him on the rifleman. It did not feel like they were acting, that they was playing a part. Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford, it really felt like they were father and son, that when one was hurt or missing, they seemed genuine, and real, about worrying about the other one. Both great actors. I still watch them today.

[@rays7437]

Well said. Good actors today are few and far between, especially child actors.

[@jasonwells3528]

Excellent actors who make it so believable. Johnny Crawford was unmatched as a child actor. Simply the best. RIP...

[@TheMidnightBell07]

Hey, it makes me wanna cry. It sounds more like Chuck Connor gushing over his actual son than just some child actor he worked with on a series. I think that's so beautiful and rare,

[@leeallan6576]

I watched the original Rifleman series as a kid. As I watch the reruns now, I’m amazed at how the show addressed so many moral issues like accepting people as they are, not judging by looks, and just basic life lessons. Such a well written show that always recapped and summarized thoughts at the end. RIP Lucas and Mark!

[@jimhenderson9173]

I was fortunate enough to have met Mr Crawford in 2017 in Kanab, Utah at their celebration for western stars of TV and movies. The Rifleman was always one of my absolute favorites, and still is. By the time I had met him he was having memory issues and was showing his age as we all eventually do. But he was still a kind man and I was blessed to have met him.

[@user-ps8xr5oy4b]

Can't believe Chuck Connors was in his 60's in this interview, he looks late 40's at the most ....Loved watching them both on the Rifleman . RIP to both !

[@robertkees6048]

What beautiful words from Chuck Connors, I'm sure that warmed Johnny Crawford's heart.

[@florabraswell8423]

I am a 74 year old lady “ l love watching the Rifleman. with Chuck Conners and Johnny Crawford , such Classic people, they stood for good Morals’ l wish we still had actors like that today especially in the condition our Country is in !! we need good Ethics n Morals 🙏💙💕

[@starlite556]

Apparently, you have no idea who Chuck Connors really was and what he did.

[@joemeeker5211]

A truly great TV series, the father son relationship was real. I watch every day!

[@stevec3872]

As a little boy growing up without a dad in the late 50s, The Rifleman was my favorite show. How I loved Chuck Connors & identified with Johnny Crawford. After Chuck had been in the hospital in the 80s I decided to send him a letter letting him know how much his role a Lucas McCain had meant to a little boy growing up without a dad. I was surprised when he sent me a large photo of himself & Johnny along with a personal letter where he told me that he was proud and humbled to have made such an impact on my life. He signed the photo, "Steve, Be happy, you're a great guy". I'm 70 now and still have the photo & letter.

[@bradhaenitsch1145]

This show will live on forever in my mind im home by 2 every day to watch it

[@almcclung2783]

Was born in "56, grew up watching the Rifleman and Gunsmoke with my Grandpa. In addition to my parents' teachings, I drew a lot of my values from those shows, and still carry them with me today. Thanks Chuck, Johnny, and Sam Peckinpah for crafting a truly memorable show. Great job, loved y'all!!!!

[@caryrevels6584]

RIP Johnny thanks for the memories, Give my regards to Chuck when you see him again.

[@patriciajrs46]

Johnny Crawford is wonderful. He made much of my childhood delightful, and like so many, I had a crush on Chuck Connors. The Rifleman was a favorite show, as was the Adventures of Zorro. Back when tv was great.

[@chuckfrost5624]

The relationship between Lucus McCain and Mark on the Rifleman TV show was the best thing about the show.

[@lettiegrant9447]

We can't forget that his brother Robert Crawford played in a lot of episodes in the Rifleman. They fought in one and it looked so real. That's what you call good acting.👍

[@rickyellison9103]

So much respect for this guy. Extremely humble, respectful and dignified. RIP JC

[@maryharper3395]

I am a 65 year old, oldest of four daughters, I rember watching this with my military career father who was also a texan. Always liked the opening when Chuck Conners fires the rifle, good memories.

[@michaelcasino4380]

Lessons taught lessons learned. Still watch the Rifleman every day I can!

[@unknown2741]

I was born in 1990 and love the rifle man, best show ever!!!

[@Laughandsong]

I am currently watching The Rifleman on Amazon Prime. It has aged very well and was a great western. Chuck and Johnny had great chemistry

[@lordofthestings]

Johnny Crawford did a wonderful job portraying Mark McCain. He's still my favorite child character. I'm rewatching the series now. It's wholesome entertainment with good stories and good acting.

[@johnburrows1179]

My most favorite show ever. Seen every episode countless times. This show was the only fatherly influence I ever had in my life. Sad. But I learned a lot of lessons, and I saw what it was to be a man. Love this show

[@Chris-zi1ge]

I'm 36 so the rifleman was well before my time but I catch it on TV all the time still and absolutely love it.

[@josetamayo8868]

Johnny played with part of his band at my daughter's 18 th birthday . Found him playing at Rodeo Drive and his lovely wife told me to ask him si ce my daughter went to a Special Ed High School. He agreed with no pay. Also had the chance to sit with him on two occasions to a High School reunion. I will always remember him. He loved Hollywood.

[@kathypichey4306]

You have very special memories! Thank you for sharing

[@jamespopp6324]

he was a class act for sure

[@USAMehdi]

I still watch the rifle man every afternoon. One of best Western shows with morality.

[@dawnsnyder6271]

I am 56 and my son 23 and we enjoyed watching this show together as he grow up.....the show lives on....great actors....

[@tiffsaver]

Lots of great memories. Thank you, Johnny Crawford.

[@Modeltnick]

R.I.P. Johnny Crawford! You were one of the good guys!

[@wl45steve61]

The kid was cool seems to have had a great life R I P JOHNNY

[@genegoodwin8925]

Johnny Crawford was one of the best actors of all time. We will never forget Mark McCain and his heart. Johnny will be missed by many.

[@michaeliovine2462]

The rifleman was and still is one of the best show on tv

[@BenTLH]

Johnny Crawford and I are about the same age. So sorry when I heard of his passing away. I only chatted with him once on the Internet but that brief chat, his warm personality came shining through. Just so sorry I never got to meet him in person. Johnny will always have his Boomer Generations fans, like me. God Bless you Johnny.

[@craigmalcolm424]

Still watch Rifleman now. Great show.🤗

[@craigmalcolm424]

Was shocked to see that Sam Peckinpah wrote the first episode. Whole series was wonderful. 🤗😍

[@rickvatersohn9782]

Same

[@vanessaescoto3887]

I'm 32 and my dad had my sister and I watch all the cowboy classics. Now my 4 yr old loves Gunsmoke (matt Dillon) rifleman etc. Great memories

[@curtispatton2415]

Man I loved this television series and still watch it today they’re all gone now

[@minnietrout814]

Always loved him. Seemed to be a wonderful person.

[@coolroy4300]

Being grateful for what he had was the best choice any kid can make. Its what's seriously lacking today .

[@spottss]

I’m dedicated to watching the complete series and I am more into it as I only saw it as a kid back in the 70s. They’re all very talented and deserves all the awards and whatever else they attained.

[@Hondo0101]

A class act.

[@ldchappell1]

My family didn't have a television when _The Rifleman_ was in prime time. The first time I saw the show was in 1971 when I was 13. I loved the show so much, I used to set my alarm clock for 6:30 am Saturday mornings so I could watch two episodes back to back at 7 am. My absolute favorite TV western was _Gunsmoke_ but _The Rifleman_ was in the top five.

[@randyreed1284]

I was raised watching THE RIFLEMAN WAS AWESOME SERIES I'LL STILL WATCH TODAY

[@jerseyjim9092]

One of my favorite shows growing up. I still enjoy the reruns.

[@dlighted1277]

What a wonderful interview! The interviewers questions were professional, respectful and relevant, and Johnny Crawford was the consummate gentleman. Well done all around! RIP🥀🥀 to both Johnny and Chuck Connors🙏. Today's hollywood doesn't hold a candle to the class and taste of days gone by.

[@glw5166]

One of the best and most natural child actors of all time.

[@vaar2742]

Loved this show when I was a child and especially the relationship between Lucas and his son Mark. May they RIP.

[@mikerichards1264]

The Rifleman was and is my favorite t.v. western of all time. Then Bonanza, High Chaparral, Big Valley, Guns of Will Sonnet, The Virginian, Laramie, and several others. I was a cowboy then and a cowboy now.

[@larrymazzuca1313]

I loved that guy !! He was so real !

[@MrWhoevr]

The whole cast of The Rifleman was good. Classic

[@garymazzeo3490]

A really nice down to earth guy.and it was a pleasure meeting you John.

[@ANDROLOMA]

So trippy to see him as a young adult. Then even he got old and died. As shall we all.

[@leoredfield2645]

I'm 32 and I'm glad to say that the rifleman and branded are still some of the best shows on television.

[@reneblanchfield3801]

I remember Branded..l thought it was pretty good.

[@donnachandler9171]

I just started binge watching the Rifleman and love Johnny Crawford! He was a great actor and so believable in that role. The Vision episode broke me down. I wish I saw more of his work as an adult. He seemed like a real stand up guy.

[@greenbeagle13]

Yep, I have been watching it on Pluto TV.

[@-RAMS-FAN]

Is that the episode where he is real sick and he sees his deceased mother? Agree a great episode and series. He had such natural talent and great timing

[@donnachandler9171]

@@-RAMS-FAN Yes! My favorite part is when he's looking into her eyes...believes she's someone familiar...and then puts it together that it's his mother! He never blinks or says a word...says everything in his eyes! I couldn't believe I was watching a kid with such depth and understanding of the importance of that moment for the character. Amazing work!

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

The whole series is on KZbin. They're as good as ever. They had great chemistry together. You believed they were father and son.

[@23shadowlee]

It's also on Tubi TV & MeTv

[@markgosser9578]

At almost 60 I never heard of the show and started watching on MeTV, maybe I will start watching on KZbin. My wife laughs when I do watch while she watches the new junk on TV.

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

@@markgosser9578 I just watched one. Just put in The Rifleman Complete Episodes. It was slightly before my time, so I didn't see them as a kid. They're really quite good.

[@markgosser9578]

@@nicholasschroeder3678 yes I agree. I just watched the first episode ( The Shooter) on KZbin, very good! Had no idea the show was on KZbin, thanks.

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

@@markgosser9578 It's interesting to see how Micah Torrance became marshal. I've watched about half of them now over the last couple of months--it's my goodnight treat. The show has lots of character actors familiar from the 60s, and quite a few A line directors. I really haven't seen one that I'd call a turkey. It is funny sometimes how many people get shot dead and it's a happy ending. I think Mark must have seen more violence then a 5 tour Vietmam vet, but he's never the worse for wear. Still, a great show. Enjoy

[@cocotaylor5019]

🔖 I watch it e.day and will NEVER get tired of the wonderful father/son family valued relationship so often missing in our world today. Absolutely love Johnny and Chuck‼️ T.you 4 leaving such incredible memories 4 us that in every episode we can learn from❗️

[@billbuschgen520]

I was honored to meet him at a cowboy event in Scottsdale. He was a real kind person.

[@GillAgainsIsland12]

I'll always remember him as Mark, The Rifleman's son.

[@dyates6380]

Brings back wonderful memories of my childhood, actually watching this wonderful show with my Dad.

[@jimmyolsen5897]

Nice to hear such high praise coming from Chuck Connors

[@Roadglide911]

Sad the way he left this world, but he lead a life that most could only dream of.

[@billf5507]

The Rifleman is one of my favorite shows. Johnny Crawford appears as a teenager in one of the "Rawhide" episodes near the end of the series. I watch a lot of the old western shows on ME TV and on the Roku channel. They even have the Cisco kid.

[@lordofthestings]

Johnny Crawfords portrayal of Mark McCain remains the most kind character in television today.

[@sallygomez8799]

RIP Johnny. You are missed more than you know.

[@mddell58]

BOTH of these men were good, friendly, moral men. I would have loved to have a long lunch with both of them. ♥️♥️♥️

[@jjp009]

There is one episode that I watched and can never see again. It's a two-parter called "The Wyoming Story", and Lucas had to leave Mark alone for two months when he went to work for the Feds. The reunion scene at the end between the two was so real that my heart broke into a million pieces. Really amazing acting...or were they?

[@greenbeagle13]

Good grief, I have been watching it on Pluto TV with all the commercials and repeats. I have STARZ. Watching "The Wyoming Story" tight now (I never saw that). Thank you

[@donnachandler9171]

You are so on-point! The 2nd part when Mark/Johnny goes home and figures he's on his own now and needs to make the best of it...and tells Micah how he's going to caring on...without his Pa..! The actress in the scene can barely keep it together...all of that absolutely believable and has me chocking up now...ugghh!

[@jjp009]

@@donnachandler9171 Hi Donna. All I have to do is think of Mark and Lucas hugging and kissing in the final scene and i get choked up.

[@donnachandler9171]

@@jjp009 I know..! It's almost too much to handle 💔 😅

[@jjp009]

@@greenbeagle13 Hard not to cry on this one,huh?

[@genevamartin7501]

What a treat! I still watch the series about once a month, never gets old.

[@harmonichebe]

geneva, agreed wholeheartedly. try to catch every episode at 5:30 on starzencore west. Be Blessed

[@sandyjuntunen4088]

Johnny's got a lot of music on KZbin, very enjoyable to listen to all of it!

[@dougvernon3107]

Gonna ck his music out. Didnt know he was a musician. THXS

[@markbennett7797]

Greatest child actor of all time.

[@davidgarris2513]

Tommy Rettig Jeff's Collie aka Lassie.

[@trvman1]

I would have to think Ron Howard would be #1. He was in the hit movie Music Man as a young child and look what he went on too in TV and then directing movies.

[@bluemoon2675]

​@@trvman1 In Howard's book, The Boys, Ron gives Johnny the nod as the best child actor of his generation.

[@ciphercode2298]

Wonderful show,wonderful cast.

[@mr.mxyzptlk2786]

I long for the wholesome homogeneous entertainment of the past.

[@deemichelle]

Loved watching The Rifleman. Both Chuck Connrs and Johnny Crawford were excellent actors and Johnny at such a young age. The show introduced the profound relationship between father and son. There are so many moral lessons to learn from their roles. Respect and doing the right thing were always the center of the storyline. R.I.P. 🥀

[@carolstanhope4717]

Absolutely adorable!! 🙏

[@michaelesgro9506]

The sincerity, honesty, and humility he conveyed so well as his character in The Rifleman is fully evident in this interview (the only thing I have ever seen of him outside of that show). So in that sense, he was hardly acting. That is not criticism, he is clearly a highly talented guy (or was, I should say), but being a genuinely engaging, warm, sincere, and grateful man is a greater achievement and also refreshing when you consider how many, if not most, childhood stars evolve.

[@michaelbishop5819]

及你看 ommcomm

[@michaelesgro9506]

@@michaelbishop5819 I can't argue with that. ...even if I tried.

[@larrycoker8093]

He had s small part in ElDorado(1967), playing the part of the youngest McDonnell son.

[@michaelesgro9506]

@@larrycoker8093 Oh, then I guess I would have seen him and cannot remember because I have definitely seen that film at least once. I was kind of gobsmacked that it was essentially Rio Bravo with different actors except John Wayne, story tweaked only very slightly. Robert Mitchum instead of Dean Martin, James Caan instead of Ricky Nelson, etc. Maybe there are other films and tv appearances where I just don't remember seeing him or didn't know who he was at the time/recognized him!!! I enjoyed that film, but why would you have to remake a great great film only a few years later?

[@tileking8078]

Him and Chuck Connors were Inseparable..the only way to get them apart was with a crowbar..

[@tvcrazyman]

So neat to see! Time just keeps passing by faster and faster. I was just a kid when they did this interview.

[@tensiacovino4676]

Love The Rifleman and Johnny Crawford was awesome!! After all these years, I marvel at the great story line in every episode. Compared to the garbage that now gets accolades... so crazy how low the quality benchmark has become.

[@jimmygarlon750]

Johnny saved the day a many time.

[@brendawatkins5751]

He's a great singer,I had never known that,and is the best part,he was around seeing the Best actors and singers of our time.The old movies are the best and also the songs and singers of Way Back WHEN CAN not Be Duplicated EVER,OR ACTORS Either WE CAN'T Live In The Past, BUT it sure is Fun To Visit.

[@carolynboone1533]

I still watch the Riffleman every wk.end. it's one of my favorite older westerns. Seeing Johnny Crawford an Chuck Conners is a one of a kind TV show. An its near an dear to my heart for two reasons. One is the show always left u with a .oral to the story to take away. As did alot of the others also. But also because my daddy looked alot like Chuck Connors. Only my dad had dark black hair whereas Chuck had blonde. They were the same statue in height an slinder built. An my dad had a hat he wore at times that reminded me of thresemblance of him an the Riffleman. It was just a great show all around. An you'd a thought the 2 actors were really father an son.. Loved the show. An never get tired of the re- runs. Hope they never take them off! Thanks for the memories.

[@jeffb5785]

I was a huge fan of Johnny in the Rifleman, I thought of him as being about my age and was impressed that someone my age could be on TV, in reality, I was watching reruns and Johnny is actually about 13 - 15 years older than me.

[@joeputnam4131]

I grew up watching the Rifleman along with millions of other children back in those day's.... N I still watch it today....

[@marilynlandis5058]

Special relationship that translated on camera! Still watch show, always ends with a moral, feel good ending to each show. I believe Johnny did eulogy fur Chuck Connors. Sad he passed away last year at 76, had Alzheimers Disease 😥 😔

[@Predest116]

I love this show ❤I still watch it to this day

[@debracarter5315]

I’m watching rifleman right now, it never gets old, I’ve watched it over and over.. I can say “I love the rifleman” ❤❤❤❤

[@alphamale1228]

The Rifleman in my opinion, is easily the top 10 best TV series of all time.

[@searchforthetruth1998]

As a single father to a 8 year old son in 2024 I’m proud that we enjoy the rifleman everyday in the morning and evening. Much better lessons taught that anything produced the past 40 years

[@christywhitehead3171]

Rest in peace Johnny Crawford

[@GalloPazzesco]

Wow ... this brought back some memories. Was sorry to learn that Johnny Crawford passed-away in 2021 suffering from Alzheimers (sp?) at the age of 75 or 76 I think it was. When this interview, above, took place in 1983 he was already almost 40 ... although he didn't look it at all. His brother, who played on Laramie, looked just like him. Two brothers doing similar shows at the same time .... and they looked so much alike, it was confusing to some. I am perturbed to read that Johnny needed a gofundme account, started by his friend, in order to pay his bills in the end. I wonder about the back story of that although actors were not given the residuals back then that they are today ... it was really robbery by producers imho.

[@8kenjacob]

Big time!