An actor who appeared in one of television’s longest-running western series has died at the age of 83. According to his wife, actor Randy Boone died on August 28. She noted the news by informing the Hollywood Reporter, and the actor and his family received a great outpouring of support.
Boone appeared in three seasons of NBC’s The Virginian from 1964 to 1966. He also appeared in other popular shows like “Cimarron Strip,” “It’s a Man’s World” and even starred in an episode of the original “Twilight Zone.”
How Did Boone Get His Start?
The North Carolina native began his acting career during his time in college at NC State in Raleigh. He received his first speaking role and proceeded to devote the rest of his career to appearing in films and movies.
In a book about the history of “The Virginian”, Boone said that he chose to “hitchhike around the country” for months before he found his way to Los Angeles, where he earned the role on the show.
He used the money he made from the show to purchase his horse, named Clyde.
“He acted very much like a real horse, and I got a lot of fan mail about how he didn’t stand still. He was spirited,” the actor said about the horse.
In addition to his acting career, Boone also enjoyed success as a musician. “Ramblin’ Randy,” his first album, was released in 1965. He collaborated with his co-star on “The Singing Stars of The Virginian” later that year as well.
What Else Did Boone Do In His Career?
Boone’s acting career would place him on more television shows and a select number of films, including “The Quest” with Kurt Russell, “Highway to Heaven” and “The Wild Pair.” After his acting career, Boone began working in construction in the 1980s.
Rick Lewis, one of Boone’s longtime friends, wrote a touching tribute to his late companion on social media.
“We started our friendship over a dozen years ago when he came back home for a little mini-show and Q&A at Sandhills Music Center. He still had that same country boy look and charisma as he did in the roles he played on TV decades earlier,” Lewis said.
“What an amazing story for such an amazing man from our little neck of the woods.”
Rest in peace to Randy Boone, and we send condolences to his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.
