Are you one of the fanatics of western television shows and movies? Are you wondering what happened now to the stars of your favorite western show? In this article, you’ll find out what happened to the cast of The Virginian.
The Virginian aired decades ago on NBC, gaining a massive viewership during its time for the quality of its actors, its storyline, and production. It was entertaining and captivating, and viewers couldn’t get enough of the show.
The Western program starred John Drury as the Virginian, with other well-selected casts like Lee J. Cobb and Doug McClure also stealing the hearts of many viewers.
Decades later, fans can’t wait for the coming together of the excellent casts of The Virginian for another reunion. People were curious about their lives, including how their careers turned out after the show ended in 1971.
That curiosity has led to the question below.
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What happened to the cast of the Virginian?
The show ended years ago, and the cast went on to do different things. Some actors featured in other projects, some went into writing, directing, and other aspects of entertainment. Meanwhile, others are relaxing and spending time with their loved ones.
Unfortunately, we lost some cast members, but a good number of them are still alive. The most important thing is that many of them cemented themselves as Western Icons so that we will remember them for a long time.
This post contains more information on the cast of The Virginian. Keep reading!
The Virginian
The Virginian took place in the 19th century. The 1902 novel by Owen Wister called “The Virginian, A Horseman of the plains” inspires the show. The series consists of 249 episodes, making up the show’s nine seasons.
The story is about the foreman of Shiloh Ranch, who is famous for his strength and authority. The foreman is the Virginian in the series and the book. Since the series incorporated bits of the book’s essence, it was only appropriate for the foreman to go by the same name.
James Drury played the Virginian, and he gathered a lot of attention for the role because he embodied the character so well. The Virginian achieved a lot with help from Trampas, his sidekick, and other people.
The foreman was responsible for maintaining a particular orderly lifestyle in the ranch. Many scenes were solely about him, including how he managed to achieve order in the place. He was the show’s star, and so was Trampas because he spent a lot of time assisting the Virginian.
Trampas’ character grew on the show. He was good-looking and well-intentioned, and viewers couldn’t get enough of him. McClure, who played Trampas on The Virginian, got so much attention that most people recognize him as Trampas even after the show ended, and he was in other movies.
The Virginian made history as the third longest-running show on television. Usually, a show can’t go on for eight years with over two hundred episodes without specific minor or significant changes. For example, the producers made changes as the show progressed, and cast members came and left.
One of the significant changes on the show was the production changing the name of the series in the last season. The change was a calculated risk that benefited the show. However, it was still a tad shocking to viewers. The producers changed the name from The Virginian to The Men of Shiloh.
The other changes were minor but noticeable—for example, the ranch ownership changed five different times.
The Characters On The Virginian
The episodes of The Virginian were family-friendly while covering topics on injustice, responsibility, compassion, morals, and overall good behavior. The episodes covered everything from fighting to cattle rides to love and relationships. All of these happened because of the production and actors who played their roles so well.
Here are the characters on The Virginian:
The Virginian:
The character, “the Virginian,” was primarily mysterious. He didn’t talk too much and wasn’t open to sharing much about himself, thus maintaining that mystery bubble. He was so vague that no one knew where he came from or what his real name is.
However, everyone knew of his bravery, honesty, respect, diligence, and loyalty. He took the responsibility of managing the ranch earnestly, expecting nothing more from his workers than what he offered. He was a loner who always did the right thing and helped those around him.
Trampas:
Trampas is the Virginian’s sidekick. His character is a breath of fresh air compared to the Virginian’s uptightness. Trampas, before the Shiloh Ranch, was a gambler who was constantly breaking the law. He was formerly unreliable and lazy.
The character Trampas evolved after his encounter with Judge Garth and the Virginian. Although he became more law-abiding and responsible, his personality didn’t change. He is fun and the total opposite of the Virginian. However, his character got him into trouble sometimes. Viewers loved him, though.
Steve Hill:
Steve Hill, the cowhand, got kicked off a train in the middle of nowhere. Nowhere coincidentally was in a ranch that was Shiloh’s competition. Steve ended up working in Shiloh because he spoiled an attempt to ruin the Shiloh Ranch. Judge Garth hired him, and he would become best friends with Trampas and the Virginian. He often got Trampas out of trouble, which he was in a lot.
Judge Garth:
The first owner of the Ranch was Judge Garth. He seemed unapproachable because of his appearance, but he was pleasant and accomodating. He became a father figure to many in Medicine Bow. He was also a role model, advising people who asked him for it, the Virginian included.
James Drury After The Virginian
James Drury played the Virginian, the foreman of Shiloh Ranch in the Western series. He was one of the biggest names to come out of The Virginian; indeed, the star of the show. Unfortunately, Drury died at 85 on April 6, 2020.
After the Virginian Drury, he was in many other shows like Firehouse, Texas Ranger, Ironside, and Walker before his death. He lived in Texas for a while, with his wife Ann Drury (she died in 2019) investing in oil and gas.
Although James is no longer with us, fans of The Virginian will never forget him for the stellar performance he gave in every episode of the show.
Gary Clarke After The Virginian
Gary Clarke was Steve Hill in The Virginian. He left the show in 1964, after 45 episodes, to develop his career. However, Clarke remained in contact with some other members of The Virginian Cast. He even worked on a project with James Drury called Billy and Bandit.
Clarke was in a couple of other shows after The Virginian like the Western “Hondo,” The Young Riders, and Dynasty. He currently lives in Texas with his third wife.
Randy Boone’ After The Virginian
Randy Boone, who played Randy Beton on the show, is currently 79 years old. He gained popularity as “the singing cowboy” and made an album with Roberta Shore after the series ended.
He later bagged himself a record deal, but his musical career wasn’t successful, at least commercially. His most recent feature in a film was decades ago. He also featured in the Westerns, Hondo and Bonanza. He is married to Lana S. Redrick.
Roberta Shore’s Life After the Virginian
Roberta Shore played Betsy Garth, Judge Garth’s daughter on The Virginian. Roberta was famous for being the only female lead character on the show. She is now focused on her walk with God alongside her husband. They both serve in the Latter-day Saints, the Mormons church.
After leaving The Virginian, she starred in a few shows before moving to Utah as a Disc Jockey. It was during her time in Utah that she met her husband, Ron.
Lee J. Cobb’s Life After The Virginian
Cobb played the role of Judge Garth, the owner of Shiloh Ranch, for three years before leaving the show. He died in 1976 at 64 years old. Lee J. Cobb was an established actor. Before The Virginian, he had worked on various projects, and he continued doing so after the show.
He was on Broadway, making history for the longest run on Broadway. He also acted in movies such as The Exorcist, Doctor Max, and a documentary called Suddenly An Eagle.
Don Quinne’s Life After The Virginian
Don Quinne played Stacey Grainger in The Virginian. Quinne didn’t do much acting after playing Stacey in the show. He shifted almost entirely from acting to authoring. He released his first book in 2018 and is said to be working on the release of another. Quinne is currently 82 years old.
Doug McClure’s Life After The Virginian
Doug McClure was Trampas, the sidekick who won the hearts of so many viewers with his good looks and charm. Trampas was on The Virginian from the beginning to the end of the show. He starred in other Westerns after The Virginian ended. He even got a star in the Newhall’s Western Walk of Fame.
His last film on television was the 1994 Maverick. He died at the age of 59 in his home after battling lung cancer.
Conclusion to What Happened to the Cast of the Virginian
The Cast of The Virginian left an impression in the hearts of casual viewers and avid fans. Although some of them have passed, we would hardly forget their skills and role in The Virginian. It’s not every day one gets to view such gifted movie stars on the big screen.
As much as many people would like to see the casts of The Virginian work together again, it’s apparent that such a thing won’t happen. Death has snatched away some of the cast members, while the others may be at a level where they can’t perform like they used to do.
This post is an overview of what happened to the cast and the different characters in The Virginian.
Did you enjoy reading What Happened To The Cast Of The Virginian? If you are looking for other great western books, check out these authors.
Edeltraud Zirnheld
I love the Virginian they still show it on Tv I always watch it, love the show
Michael Stewart
I am a Virginian fan for life!
DianeLeone
I am also a virginian fan for life,I never miss a rerun,also own the entire set of the virginian and men from shilo.
Kelly Girl
THEY SHOW IT ON 3 CHANNELS
INSP – CHANNEL – 364
GRIT TV CHANNEL – 81
STARZ WESTERN – CHANNEL – 538
I LOVE THE VIRGINIAN AND THE WHOLE CAST MAKES IT A GREAT WESTERN SHOW TO WATCH!
EACH CHARACTER ADDS SOMETHING SPECIAL TO THE SHOW!
I JUST LOVE THEM ALL!
SHOULD OF STOPPED AT SEASON 8 – MEN FROM SHILOH RUINED A GREAT SERIES EXCEPT FOR TRAMPUS KEPT ME WATCHING!!
curtis jones, sr
Awesome article about the cast of the Virginian
Nat Casron
I enjoyed watching the Virginian and all the characters. I wish some new cowboy western show would start again as equal to the Virginian.
Virginia Massey
I love watching the ré-runs.
I record them, so I can fast foward
Through the commercials. This is my favorite Western.
I so enjoyed reading this, about
What happened to them after The Virginian.
Garrett Goulet
Sadly, when N.B.C. decided to cancel “The Men From Shiloh” (the revamped version of “The Virginian”) and “The High Chapparal” in ’71, some say it marked the beginning of “Bonanza” (which was already in a ratings slump in its 12th season), and Michael Landon wrote a script for the 14th season in which Hoss was going to get married. Unfortunately, Dan Blocker died unexpectedly shortly after the 13th season, and coupled with a switch from Sunday to Tuesday night, was the final coffin in the nail that killed “Bonanza”.
Mary
I’m addicted, every episode is different and inviting, actors are all so believable, I’m on season 4 and happy there are many more to come.
Mary lou McKillip
I am watching a rerun good Virgian show I love the shows Mary Lou McKillip
Peggy Misch
Sorry, you didn’t mention L.Q. Jones.
Phillip Rsmsey
I am presently engaged in a second love affair with The Virginian. I watched the show as a kid with my father, but was too young to recall much of it. This time around, I am able to fully appreciate the dynamics of the show, develop a great regard for the actors and what they brought to their roles, and to see once and for all why this show set itself apart from all the others of it’s kind.
I also think it interesting that there is one character that never gets mentioned – the train! It appears, and plays such a vital role in so many episodes – particularly early on – that I feel it deserves to be considered a character; if not credited, then at least regarded as such. Without it, so many of the storylines could not have been written as they were, as it literally was responsible for bringing many of the guest star’s characters to Medicine Bow. Granted, that is sort of a silly notion, but true!
As a great lover of western TV and film, I’m having the time of my life re-watching this spectacular gem of 1960’s-1970’s television. It’s a perfect way for me to decompress after a long day!
Irene L
Love the Virginian watch all the reruns
Barbara L Bowman
I have just watch the Virginian I love them all sad to some have passed but I started watching as a kid so I am getting old also. But be that as it may I still watch as though its my first time seeing it I watch every day. God bless all those still alive. Best show ever
Barbara baker
I love the show and will watch as long as it’s on.
Barbara baker
david medina
Was Randy Boone related to singer Pat Boone ?
Tom McHenry
The Virginian was a bit of a TV novelty in that each episode occupied (with commercials) a 90-minute time slot during its first-run years. Other competing westerns of the 60s typically occupied 60 minute slots (in the 50s, 30-minute slots were the order of the day). Unfortunately, when The Virginian is shown on modern broadcast TV, it is in two-hour time blocks… which gives the broadcasters over 40 minutes of total ad time in each episode. Given the glacial pace of most episodes, what with the commercial-time expansion it’s easy to lose track of the plot (or interest in it) during these extended commercial breaks.
Maria Evangelista
Love the Virginian. Still watch old episodes
Tina T.
I’m a new fan ,just started about a year ago…my mother and I enjoyed watching an episode before her passing.She loved it…
I like the stories,and values ,morals ..but over all the scenery and great actors,…
Thanks to “The Virginian” crew ,writers and everyone that worked at this show,
D Black
As a kid I remember watching the 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘪𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘯 at Grandma’s house. I loved the opening scene and title would come up, not much more made an impression on me. A lot of time has passed since then, and with a different, grown up, set of eyes – I was blind, now I see. A beautiful, and timeless show. Thank you and love to all those that made 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘪𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘯 happen.
Kenny Rowland
I did also watch The Virginian as a kid…but I’m in season 5 of it again and I find it hard to find a movie or show that I enjoy as much as The Virginian. GREAT SHOW! I also watched all of wagon train, another great one to get hooked on!
Mary Barnhouse
I love The Virginian I never got to watch it growing up, so this is a treat for me it’s all new to me I watched every episode!! I hated for it to end, they sure don’t have shows like this today!!
Mary
Bill Clauder
I am 80 years old and can’t get enough of the VIRGINIAN. Have every episode on my DVR and never get tired of watching them. Its the best show ever!!
Brenda Gaston
Loved watching The Virginia growing up and still enjoy watching it on the weekends on INSP now. ❤️❤️
Gloria Gordon
What a wonderful article to find. I was just watching The Virginian and wanted to find what happened to all the talented actors after the show ended. I was glad to see The Virginian actor had a good long life until his 80’s but so sad that the Trampas actor passed in his 50’s; loved his character. I’m a 72 year old female and have loved Westerns since I was a child. My idol was Roy Rogers, and I would sing along to “Happy Trails” every show ending in front of our black and white tv. The Lone Ranger was a favorite as well. I was fortunate enough to meet The Cisco Kid and have my picture taken with him at a horse show once. Many years later, when I visited my grandmother, she had two twin beds in her bedroom. I would share one with my aunt and we would watch Westerns all night; Bonanza, The Rifleman, Rawhide, Dodge City among many others. What wonderful memories. My husband and I retired back in 2019, sold our home and are living fulltime in an RV and traveling. You can usually always get excellent digital TV over the air. The Virginian on GRIT TV has become our go to again. So many of the shows I have seen over and over again. But they pull you in and you don’t mind watching one more time. Wonderful stories that teach you something and that we can watch with the grandchildren when they visit. The world is not what it used to be but the Westerns can take you back to simpler times. Thank you for your informative article; it’s much appreciated. Blessings.