The Today Show - with the "Rifleman"'s Johnny Crawford!!!

[@butterlevisellman5895]

Who’s still watching the rifleman in 2019 ..

[@kathylawrence2491]

I am.

[@jamieb9556]

Yea on ME TV

[@jimbelanger4594]

Millions every day

[@hudzgh]

Me too!

[@ingenunis5003]

Butterlevi I Am

[@georgewodicka4839]

"The Rifleman" was not the typical western. Every half-hour episode had some sort of positive, family-friendly message amidst the often violent surroundings of the setting and time. Chuck and Johnny were perhaps the most likeable family in all of TV westerns. God bless Johnny, as he battles the ravages of Alzheimer's.

[@robertross804]

clean tv never seen sagging pants i was in the big city of Lexington ky i seen a black man in subway with his pants hanging down i looked at him an said mr your pants are falling he ignored me so i said it again louder i said i seen that pants hanging on tv i said i dint like seing it in person a groan man i said your diaper is full from pops64 liberty ky

[@angelaanglin6762]

Love the show!! Even though Chuck was gay..which sucks

[@jchapman8248]

@@angelaanglin6762 Really? I wasn't aware of that fact.

[@jchapman8248]

I wish it would've been an hour long series. But then, it still was a great show, nevertheless.

[@angelaanglin6762]

@@jchapman8248 ya it took me by surprise when I found out🥺

[@karenbracken1721]

I still watch Rifleman reruns everyday and love them just as much today as I did when I was a kid. This is the kind of TV parents should be having their children watch instead of the garbage they see today.

[@winniehunt8617]

Yup.

[@Styles5311]

I totally agree

[@karenstrycharz1499]

How right you are!

[@michaelesgro9506]

I could not agree more in the final analysis, but it was not without a huge amount of violence. The difference of course is, as you well know and would agree, Lucas McCain ALWAYS stressed higher values, deplored violence for it's own sake, perpetually regretted and took not an iota of pleasure in taking a life regardless of how deserved of it someone might be, and almost always acted upon as a last and carefully considered measure, etc. (the only exceptions being those times when there was no time to ponder, a situation that begged self preservation...he often demonstrated patience almost to the point of frustration for me in some episodes, like "oh, c'mon, this ass needs dying, just cap him already!!! LOL )

[@Harpo.jr70]

Yeah, watch Lucas kill sometimes 3 or 4 per episode.

[@jimf3932]

What a nice, decent, wonderful talent of a guy. Not enough people today know the Rifleman, its wonderful, wholesome story lines about right and wrong. May Johnny Crawford rest in peace.

[@Declan50]

We'll miss you, Johnny. Rest in peace.

[@lindathorpe3299]

Rip

[@retiredyeti5555]

He was multi-talented, not just another pretty face in Hollywood. One of the few child stars who went on to a productive career. RIP, Johnny!

[@lelandpaul5249]

He is a great singer.

[@larrycoker8093]

I think he was/is great!

[@toring61_52]

Wonder what happened to all the $$$ he made as a child actor and later a singer. I ask because I seen another video when Johnny was in a care facility and people were doing fund raisers to help him in his fight and hospital accumulative $$. And yes I still watch the Rifleman one of the best shows in my time growing up. RIP Johnny you will always be loved for your talents and accomplishments. Thank you young man for being yourself. ❤💯 %

[@retiredyeti5555]

@@toring61_52 - Care facilities eat up resources very rapidly, over $10 K a month for private pay.

[@kengordon6516]

I still watch the rifleman to this day.love Chuck and Johnny,rip

[@Styles5311]

I do also. Love it. You don't find them like that anymore

[@keithrobinson942]

I'm 61 years old and I still watch Chuck Connors and the little boy The Rifleman

[@timothymcguire3122]

I'm 70 yrs old and I watch the Rifleman every day! I remember watching them all when I was a kid too!

[@t4texastomjohnnycat978]

@@keithrobinson942 Me too, Keith. I have every season DVD..... at least all of the ones that have been released. I was lucky enough to see him & Chuck Connors at the Houston Fatstock Show & Rodeo in the Sam Houston Coliseum in 1960.

[@carolekohlschmidt6899]

I like the music.

[@rebeccabernard5013]

I still watch the old reruns. I'm 63. Sure beats the sad stuff coming out of Hollywood today.. R.I.P. Johnny

[@jbmr176]

Met him once,he stood up and shook my hand a class act

[@karenstrycharz1499]

Great memory!❤️You were so blessed to meet him!

[@joshuawilliamson3624]

It’s 2021 and Johnny Crawford is still underrated

[@aeropilot4419]

Indeed RIP 🕯

[@Ms2blackcats]

never !

[@dalehammond1704]

One of my favorite actors. He was such a good kid on "The Rifleman." I've always hoped he was really that way in "real life."

[@TheJazsinger]

WOW! This style of music really suits his voice! They are great! I always loved Johnny Crawford! he was always such a doll baby!

[@donatord]

He’s one of those rare kids that grew up to be an even better looking man. I love that show the rifleman. I always wish the best for Johnny. He had a fabulous career. The father son relationship is the basis for the entire show, and it really worked

[@dan599]

Anybody else agree that there is not a more natural actor on earth? And he can sing!

[@barbarachatman496]

I agree

[@michaelesgro9506]

He absolutely conveyed an easy, natural charm, warmth, and sincerity...at all times apparently as I previously only knew of him from his character on the show (The Rifleman). What I did not know and what took me by surprise was his caustic wit. It is a rare gift to be able to pull that off without seeming bitter or negative, but rather wise and perceptive of presumptions, expectations...guess I'm trying to say a honed sense of irony... a well rounded, emotionally grounded intellect. It seemed to fly past Jane, or at least she failed react to it. He was a really cool guy.

[@megsloss268]

That little boy was always 100% real.

[@earthangel3234]

The Rifleman was my favorite show as a child. I had a major crush on Johnny Crawford, he was my first love. He's always in my prayers now.

[@sherrihinton8567]

Thats very sweet

[@karenstrycharz1499]

He was my first love too! Such a huge crush on this sweet, talented boy( then later an extraordinary man)! Love & prayers to Johnny Crawford!

[@paanne1013]

Me too! But what little girl didn't have a crush on him?

[@Dewdaahman]

so many memories.. back then, at least w/The Rifleman, there were lessons, and morals, and "how to act" taught, and that could be taken away from that show.. both Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford made positive impacts in our lives, and helped with development as a kid.. that is something no one can ever take away from us, and they will always be thought of , by me, accompanied with a smile.. Thank You Johnny..

[@dannymccoy1783]

Im stillllll watching it in 2020..almost 2021

[@debracounter4728]

Watched show with my Dad at 4 yrs old. Still love it. I'm 65 no

[@Tonetwisters]

Excellent. I always loved "The Rifleman" and Johnny's terrific acting. It just figures that he is also a musician, which I too have been for 55 years now ... playing guitar. Great that he spent some time in Sunday School ... it seems to have stuck with him quite well.

[@HansDelbruck53]

My mom made me and my siblings go to Sunday school as children as well. Fortunately, it wore off.

[@robertklose2140]

Great voice, nice delivery

[@GunsHarleysUSA]

R.I.P. Johnny you’ll be missed and loved by many..🙏👍

[@BirdYoumans]

Take a little Rudy Vallee, mix in some Bing Crosby and a little Sinatra, mix well with some Johnny Crawford, and, surprised the heck out of me lol! But very nice! Wasn't expecting this.

[@christopheronyx4671]

Instablaster

[@karenstrycharz1499]

Loved this man! Such a cutie as a child actor & loved his singing! So sad he is ill( breaks my heart!)! Loved him then & love him now! Great video here & he is still so darn adorable as a teenager & as a adult! Just adore him!❤️

[@t4texastomjohnnycat978]

I saw him and Chuck Connors at the Houston Fatstock Show & Rodeo in the Sam Houston Coliseum in 1960.

[@karenstrycharz1499]

How lucky you were! Great memory!

[@TheSharron]

I wish I could have been there.

[@leonmaliniak]

He is very funny as well....very intelligent and he is a great entertainer. WHAT A TALENT

[@tonys2705]

That kid did a great job on the Rifleman and he’s doing a great job with this music. Glad to see he kept on rolling as an adult... I work nights. So when I get home and it’s 5am, I watch the Rifleman! Love it. Ole Chuck can solve any problem that comes down the pike.... gotta love it

[@HerrEllsworth]

He was a great guy when I met him twenty years ago. Sad to hear about his affliction with Alzheimer'''s.

[@karenstrycharz1499]

How lucky you were to meet him! Prayers to him!❤️

[@kennethmarkssr.6521]

I watch it, still! Love it and I will continue to watching until my last breath. Great Western show. Love old western shows!

[@irenepetit933]

He seems to me to be one of the best child actors I’ve ever seen

[@u000drl]

Put Johnny in your prayers he is suffering from Alzheimer’s

[@spookygirl7761]

Amen.

[@pattyfarghaly1821]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@karenstrycharz1499]

Prayers & love! May God Bless Johnny Crawford!❤️

[@leerene3959]

He passed away today, April 29, 2021. R.I.P.

[@davidlaster6365]

Not any more.

[@LawrenceMark33]

I met him several times and he is still the nicest person in Hollywood even if he doesn't remember everything like he used to. He had some of the best stories and he was ALWAYS cordial. Always. I was lucky to see his orchestra and he introduced me to EVERYONE. The Cicada Club on 6th and Olive downtown Los Angeles is a great venue and perfect for this genre of music. Not to be missed if you go to LA. I went to Charlotte's birthday party in the mezzanine and it was GREAT. Keep Johnny and Charlotte in your prayers. He needs it and they deserve it for all the GREAT ENTERTAINMENT! Good luck in the future Everyone! ☝️😁🎶✌️❤️🎸🎵🙏😎😉🤺

[@patriciaaudi5814]

Love this! I had such a crush on Johnny Crawford. I thought he sang Patti Ann just for me since that's my name! Good to see him recording!

[@dannymccoy1783]

Lol..u actually thought he was singing to u...thats great..lol..i love that...😘😎

[@dianabeets5854]

i love watching the rifleman was an amazing show. love the love that father sand son showed on the show/ love you johnny

[@BigBingFan]

Singing an old, VERY old, Bing Crosby song, from the mid-30's. Nice updated version--still true to the melody, while sounding in parts, like my hero, Bing Crosby. Good job, Johnny Crawford!

[@renebrock7823]

BigBingFan is

[@peggylewis4675]

Johnny Crawford was my first crush and the only star I ever wrote a letter to...but I never mailed it. I still watch The Rifleman every chance I can, to see him. I pray for him and his health

[@bonnieikamas1201]

Johnny Crawford was my first “crush”! God bless him with his health issues now...🙏🌹 I actually owned the “45” with Today Is Cindy’s Birthday and I thoroughly enjoyed his singing in this clip!

[@clementinerounds417]

Such a cutie.

[@1079walter]

What a delightful guy was Johnny. God-blest. May he rest in peace.

[@joanieledbetter6155]

Still watch the reruns. God's blessings 🙏

[@ayorocka1950]

Poor guy is suffering from Alzheimer's these days. So damn sad.

[@coachm86]

Yeah, Alzheimer's is a rotten dirty disease, my buddy was diagnosed when he was about 54 and he died about ten years later

[@robertvillarreal4525]

What happened to the advances in the Scientific-Medical research institutions? Last I read, this affliction is related to a lack of a particular protein. Why didn’t they catch it on time? You have 90+ & 100 yr olds without this affliction, more clear-headed than some 20+ yr olds, so, somehow, there seems to have been no reason for this to happen. But God Only Knows. Peace.

[@sherrihinton8567]

@@coachm86 it sounds like this was a dear friend. Im sorry Mike

[@coachm86]

@@sherrihinton8567 👍 yes and thank u

[@spookygirl7761]

@P.M. ..oh man. Wow.

[@undomiel152003]

As a grown up adult he is just as adorable as when he was a young kid in The Rifleman. And a great singer to boot!

[@kathleenl4387]

undomiel152003 even as an elder, Johnny is still adorable!!!!

[@jeffking4176]

undomiel152003 Even now, he has aged very well- still looks like he did only a bit older. And he’s got to be in his 70’s

[@karenstrycharz1499]

Jeff King sadly he has 😥Alzheimer’s & is in a nursing home, in very bad shape! Love this incredible man!❤️

[@rhondaboncutter5812]

I love this! I loved him as The Rifleman's son!

[@ednamartin5153]

Rhonda Boncutter Residential Care homes residential Care homes

[@weinerschnitzelrock1]

he's got that 1930's swing style voice that fits perfect to this style music!

[@harryswett14]

David Sutton m

[@bbdovs11gassner80]

David Sutton he had a d ztl may have a swing band

[@doloresswann4600]

He has had a wonderful life with so much unique experiences

[@barbarachatman496]

Indeed!

[@caroliner.alderson2743]

What a talent. Johnny Crawford has (as always!) a gift for expressing clever lyrics with clarity and charm. Thanks for posting!

[@billgreen6263]

Rest in Peace Johnny. A real talent and a great human being!

[@BugzKiller]

He's 72 now and has Alzheimer's, just saw another video. His wife is taking care of him. Paul Peterson (his friend) from Donna Reed show started a Go Fund Me account for Johnny, :(

[@20alphabet]

Go Fund Me account because of decades of financial mismanagement. That guy was the highest paid child star during the Rifleman, and made a fortune from his numerous hit records in the early 1960s.

[@zaneturner4478]

@@20alphabet There was not a fortune made in the 60s from any one doing music do a little research before you make such remarks and you will see who got the majority of any money that was made

[@20alphabet]

@@zaneturner4478 You again? Listen Einstein, he was the highest paid child actor in Hollywood... he was _PAID._ He could've purchased one 3bdrm, 2 bath house with a 2-car garage in a nice part southern California _per month_ with his income from the Rifleman series alone. Then include his numerous Top 40 hit records during the early 1960s and you can easily add another such house _per month._ Multiply those assets by the number of years he worked during his peak and you'll have 75 houses conservatively. Didn't need to be houses, could've been a few apartment complexes... doesn't matter. He foolishly squandered more money in a relatively few years than most people will see in their lifetime. Now his handlers are attempting to cash in on fond childhood memories of a kinder, more innocent time. Sorry, I'm not buying it. Many of his fans have suffered far worse without the benefit of fame and fortune, and I'd be surprised if he'd even toss a coin their way. Sad story for sure, but it's just hard for me to cry about Johnny Crawford's few remaining days of obscurity when so many other Americans suffer actual need.

[@Tinkiebell]

@@20alphabet No one got rich from reruns because shows didnt get shown more than once back then. There was no syndication. Fast forward a bit and look at the Brady Bunch cast. They only got royalties for the first 10 reruns of every episode and that was it. If they would have only known what was on the horizon...but they couldnt have. So to say Johnny mismanaged his money...I have to ask...what money? And he wasnt a Michael Jackson either! 75 houses? Jeeze radical lefty stop making stuff up!

[@20alphabet]

@@Tinkiebell You seem to be talking to somebody else.

[@debralynagh562]

I love the old westerns, The Rifleman, Cheyenne, so many of them. There is a lesson in every episode.

[@randolphjones7143]

Johnny is a real true Legend and very well loved by all of us WE LOVE YOU JOHNNY

[@the.porter.productions]

Greetings from the Ohio Porters. 😎 I didn’t get to see much the Rifleman growing up, but I sure have in the last 10 years. I loved it and thought it was a very heart warming cowboy show! He and Chuck seemed so genuine! 🤩 Johnny had such a nice voice. Thanks for the memories, Johnny.

[@robertlambert778]

That was awesome, God bless Johnny Crawford !

[@cccarignan3864]

I loved the Riflemen open and I love Johnny Crawford always will

[@Daehawk]

Me and my wife watched The Rifleman through at least 4 times. She loved Johnny and thought he was the cutest kid in that. She'd be sad to know he is sick like this. Her mom had it and my grandmother had it. My little wife passed away this year in Jan. :(

[@Daehawk]

And now RIP to Johnny. Bless you.

[@LucyDesiFan51]

I love ❤️ his voice!! Great actor and so cute!! I watched The Rifleman all the time. I actually, love westerns!! So 😞 to hear he is ill!! Love you Johnny Crawford!

[@ndlz1]

Such true talent, obscured whilst entertainment today has so much trash.

[@moriver3857]

Very nice. Nowdays Mr. Crawford is much older and ill but I'm sure he's still enjoying life. The.clarinet gives a touch of big band sound. Jane Pauley at her best. Still my favorite news person after 30 plus years. God bless.

[@samthe007]

RIP .. thanks for all you gave to us and even in your passing you are remembered.

[@faithreigns9188]

Johnny was too clever for Jane's vapid remarks. He's sharp, talented and should come back to perform this same song on Jimmy Fallon! Come on Johnny!

[@jackyandell2489]

Sadly, John is suffering with Alzheimer's disease.

[@karenstrycharz1499]

In a nursing home suffering from Alzheimer’s 😢& so very sad!

[@kellycoleman715]

Jane was in her heyday then and pretty stuck on herself. She has long since flamed out and Johnny endured and flourished. RIP Mr. Talent.

[@aeropilot4419]

@@kellycoleman715He played at my wedding, 2006

[@kellycoleman715]

@@aeropilot4419 Wow! That is pretty cool! 👍🏻

[@dianababb8641]

I still watch Rifleman in 2023!

[@rays7437]

Me too!

[@dianabeets5854]

I love watching the rifleman, BLESS you Johnny hugs

[@12121149]

Such a humble guy with a great voice,right "PA"

[@VinDcator]

Nice to see a television star grow-up and keep a clean life.

[@LoveinCarolina]

You'll be missed Johnny. Godspeed on your journey.

[@dondelaney2686]

Great talent.. Always liked his voice

[@mitchgawlik1175]

It's kool to see this clip. This music suits Johnny Crawford very well.

[@1Billyon]

Still watch the Rifleman everyday. R.I.P Mr Crawford.

[@shaneb.9458]

*It's 2024 and I watch "The Rifleman" everyday! There's roughly 4 tv channels that run nothing but that show. Johnny Crawford was such an amazing actor at such a young age. Rest in peace cowboy* 🤠

[@johnroberts9560]

May Johnny Crawford , R.I.P. ! 🤧😭🌷🌸💐🌺🌹🕊

[@lindaburns5817]

R.I.P JOHNNY! Bless you and your family!!! Wonderful, beautiful man. Thank you for sharing this. 🌹💕💜🎶♥️😊❤🎵⚘🦋

[@robertjenkins8043]

Loved the show and still watching

[@mortpacker8882]

I like his choice of music....this is some good stuff, gang!

[@nadeseh]

What a sweet voice, what a sweet song. Rip

[@davidbrock4104]

Awesome job, his voice is suited very well for this genre of music.

[@jeffreymiller4814]

What a shame his musical career was never “pushed” harder. He could really SING! Nice, clear, effortless voice and style.

[@joysmith1113]

Love it 🎶🎶🎶❤️and Johnny as well. Great actor and wonderful singer/musician 🎶🎶❤️

[@steveperry1344]

first time i ever heard johnny sing and i liked it. always liked old timey music sort of like leon redbone style. i forgot how adorable jane pauley was when she was young, nice to look at.

[@44skins]

AHHHHHMAZING! Hollywood would NEVER promote a wonderful clean cut guy like him today. And the Today Show would not give this guy a mere thought now!

[@michaelmakes1225]

He was also a young fan of old movies,and a lot of the extras and technicians on The Rifleman were veterans of those years,so Johnny was thrilled to meet and talk with them,and they were equally happy to meet a kid who not only knew of their work,but often knew them by name..

[@barbarachatman496]

He was so smart

[@michaelmakes1225]

@@barbarachatman496 and was probably the best child actor I have ever seen...the scenes and dialog he delivered in The Rifleman are remarkable.. The natural delivery ,and the thoughtful look in his eyes...

[@kevinjones2145]

I love that guy!

[@patalexander3702]

Really , really, nice! Love the music from our years gone by!

[@daviddavidson8050]

Not long ago I saw an early episode of The Rifleman with a tween, maybe teenage, Johnny Crawford singing on AMC. They have episodes of the show every Saturday on their, early morning, it's great! My dad introduced me to the show when I was a kid when we lived in Clarksville, TN. USA when he and mom worked at Ft. Campbell U. S. Army Base. Mid to late 80s. Good stuff!

[@RT-Ford]

I spoke with Paul Petersen recently and Johnny is not well. He doesn't recognize people anymore. He's at home with his wife but it's really tough. Paul and Johnny are lifelong friends and Paul started a GoFundMe for Johnny a couple of years ago. Regardless of what you think about his financial management, please remember the joy he brought to so many people with 'The Rifleman' and give back a little. Thank you.

[@karenstrycharz1499]

Thank-you so much for the update! How sad that he doesn’t recognize anyone. May God Biess him! What an extraordinary friend Paul Peterson is to do that for his dear friend Johnny! 😢

[@currentpractice4037]

We still watch it. It is a wonderful program.

[@TravisFrye-qp6ut]

Whos still watching the rifleman in 2024??

[@timsmith7224]

Great memories. What a wholesome guy, Breath of fresh air . Prayers go with him and family

[@michaelsabella5924]

Love the Rifleman and watched since I was Johnny age. Nice voice btw..... To Butterlevi, I'm still watching the Rifleman, never gets old..

[@ralpholiver1519]

RIP Mr. Crawford.....you'll not be forgotten by us boys that remember thinking...."how cool is that".... while watching him in the show

[@opieutt9038]

A class act all of his life.

[@barrygioportmorien1]

Excellent, Thanks...

[@joeyb4ever]

Delightful, and a bit surprising. I brought out a few great ditties from the 30s as well during my brief career as a jazz vocalist. Thanks for sharing this piece of video.

[@Modelt5000]

Awe!!! That was nice!!!

[@MarkGates-g9c]

i STILL WATCH THE OLD RIFLEMAN RERUNS

[@friscocoonsliscano]

I watch the Rifleman everyday and those episodes never get old..never

[@DanielEDugger]

68 here and I still watch it all the time!😊❤

[@happiness348]

wish we all had fathers like you..always missed but not forgotten

[@EdwinErickson]

I was the Public Relations Director of the student-produced show called "Encounter" on every weekday morning and broadcast over KMLA FM, Los Angeles, produced by the Los Angeles City College Broadcasting Dept. Anyway, I organized a contest involving the young star of the Rifleman TV series, Johnny Crawford, the actor who played the Rifleman's (Chuck Connors) son on the show and who also had a hit single called “Cindy’s Birthday.” The promotion offered a young woman student a date with Johnny to Disneyland. I still have pictures of Johnny and me shaking hands at Disneyland.

[@TheStu55]

Hope you enjoyed your "date".

[@LucyDesiFan51]

WOW! How nice!! I love the song, ‘Cindy’s Birthday ‘!!

[@karenstrycharz1499]

What a great story & such amazing memories you have! Thank-you for sharing your story with us all! I would have loved to have met him. So sad he is so ill now in nursing home! Prayers to him!

[@ericander2108]

Love the rifleman show , I catch it most everyday on Me Tv. Still my favorite.

[@Beartracks777]

Im still watchn the Rifle Man.. your in my Prayers Johnny. God Bless you and yourz.

[@walterpalmer2749]

Nice, Johnnie . Has a good heart.

[@torrifleming9891]

I think he made the perfect looking son for Chuck Conners. He had a talented voice as well!

[@catheykindley9041]

Still watching the rifleman at 2021 great program. I am 68 yrs old