Top 4 Western Cowboy Actors of the 1950's

They are the Top 4 Western Cowboy Actors of the 1950's. Their names were synonymous with fast guns, dashing good looks and action. We were either children watching the sets with our parents, teens or young parents as these awesome figures of men with their dashing good looks and unique western appeal entered our homes daily. The era of the westerns was one some still maintain as the last era of the real cowboys.

Top 4 Western Cowboy Actors of the 1950's: Gene Barry as 'Bat Masterson'

Gene Barry starred as Bat Masterson in one hundred and eight episodes of the television series which ran from 1958 until 1961. In the made for television western, Bat Masterson was a dapper portrait of a man who wore black from his hat to his shoes. Bat Masterson carried a gold tipped cane and a custom made gun. As Bat Masterson, Gene was suave and debonair. He played the character far better than any other actor playing the character before or after the television series. The game was always played where Bat Masterson could talk himself out of any situation using a wit and cunning method far superior to his adversaries. The true life story of Bat Masterson only came to light after realizing that he was a friend and deputy who stood by the side of Wyatt Earp during his tenure as the sheriff of Dodge City. Gene Barry died of congestive heart failure on December 9, 2009. Read about Gene Barry and his role as Bat Masterson here

Top 4 Western Cowboy Actors of the 1950's: James Arness as Marshall Matt Dillon 'Gunsmoke'

The story goes that CBS was looking for the perfect actor to play the role of Marshall Matt Dillon in their new television western 'Gunsmoke'. They offered the role to John Wayne, however, John could not commit to a new series and declined the offer to star in 'Gunsmoke'. However, he recommended James Arness. He however recommended James Arness. The CBS team took one look at the 6'7" actor and Matt Dillon was born. James Arness played the role of Matt Dillon on 'Gunsmoke' for twenty years from 1955 through 1975. He also played a series of 'Gunsmoke' made for television movies which ran from 1975 through 1992. Read about James Arness and his legendary role of Matt Dillon here.

Top 4 Western Cowboy Actors of the 1950's: Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain in 'The Rifleman'

He played the role of Lucas McCain with a son Mark McCain, played by Johnny Crawford, constantly by his side. As the show begins, Lucas walks down the road in the town of North fork, New Mexico firing his rifle with rapid speed. He carried a Winchester rifle that could be fired in rounds with a rapid speed based on a manipulated cock developed by Lucas. Some considered the rifle the semiautomatic of the 1800's. Others contradict that statement or description. Whatever the technical method of delivery is, the rifle was the major focal point of the show. Many watched and marveled at the sight of Lucas cocking his rifle while using an underhanded motion manipulating the rifle into action. The Rifleman aired on television from 1958 through 1965. The show was quite popular and only began to lose it devoted audience when Chuck Connors gained a love interest, Milly, played by Joan Taylor. Even though the ratings fell, they recovered a bit the next season when Joan was no longer around and they brought on the Red Head love of the airways Patricia Blair as Lou Mallory. By today's standards, the show was non violent yet during that time, the show was challenged for the amount of violence demonstrated when Lucas used his rifle. Watch scenes from The Rifleman here.

Top 4 Western Cowboy Actors of the 1950's: Clint Walker as Cheyenne Bodie in 'Cheyenne'

Clint Walker is a twin. There are two of them. As Cheyenne, Clint was not only a viable character to be reckoned with, he was the guy every female went droozy eyed over. He walked with a confidence founded in his immense proportions. Clint Walker was one of the era's most magnificent examples of a man. He was a well defined symbol of male character during the time he portrayed Cheyenne in addition to numerous other western characters. During the 50's, Clint Walker the Hercules of the era, . He is one fourth Cherokee. Not only was his character Cheyenne of moral turpitude, Clint the person was and continues today to be a very strong and determined individual. His role was of a person of impeccable moral standards and in life, he remains that same persona of humility, strength and fine character. Watch some of the Cheyenne episodes here. And follow his history or obtain pictures and autographs here.