Lonesome Dove Cast List

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Updated March 15, 2024 148.2K views 15 items

Set against the backdrop of America's Old West, the tale of Lonesome Dove follows the journey of two former Texas Rangers as they embark on a cattle drive from Texas to Montana. Captivating viewers through its powerful storytelling, raw emotion, and gritty realism, the story of Lonesome Dove appealed to audiences, and the exceptional cast made them want to keep coming back. 

By exploring each character within the fascinating world created by Larry McMurtry,  the Lonesome Dove cast came together to present an enthralling adventure. Each actor brought a unique and interesting adaptation to the old west, leaving a lasting impression on audiences' hearts and minds. 

Notable among the Lonesome Dove cast members are Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones, and Danny Glover - each weaving their own spell around this beloved tale. Duvall delivers a riveting performance as Captain Augustus "Gus" McCrae - providing moments that are both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking. In contrast, Jones skillfully plays Woodrow F. Call  a stern yet fiercely driven man determined to succeed in his endeavors. Glover enchants viewers with his portrayal of Joshua Deets - an expert tracker whose loyalty wins him fans.  

Although these individuals are just a small fraction of the cast of Lonesome Dove , they exemplify what makes this series genuinely special. The blend of gripping storytelling and remarkable acting talent cements the series' enduring legacy as a classic Western saga.

  • Anjelica Huston
    Lonesome Dove, Smash, The Mists of Avalon
    Anjelica Huston, an American actress and director, was born on July 8, 1951, in Santa Monica, California. She is the daughter of acclaimed director John Huston and prima ballerina Enrica Soma. Her lineage suggests a certain level of artistic pedigree, ingrained with a rich tapestry of filmic history. For the majority of her adolescence, Huston resided in Ireland and England. Her early years, immersed in the arts, were colored by the myriad of famous personalities who frequented her father's estate. In 1969, Huston moved to New York City to pursue her acting career. After a few minor roles, she gained recognition for her portrayal as Maerose Prizzi in the black comedy Prizzi's Honor (1985), directed by her father. The performance won her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first third-generation Oscar winner in Hollywood history. This marked the beginning of a series of collaborations with famous directors, like Wes Anderson and Woody Allen, which further solidified her standing in the industry. Beyond acting, she also explored directing, with her debut being Bastard Out of Carolina (1996), a critically acclaimed drama that earned her an Emmy nomination. Throughout her career, Huston has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to her craft, evident in her varied roles across both film and television. She has portrayed characters from the wicked witch in The Witches (1990) to a mafia matriarch in The Grifters (1990), showcasing her diverse range. As a testament to her talent, she has received multiple accolades, including Golden Globe Awards and several Emmy nominations. Outside of her acting prowess, Huston is also known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in environmental conservation and child abuse prevention. Anjelica Huston's life and career embodies a rich narrative of artistic achievement and personal resilience, making her an enduring figure in the annals of Hollywood history.
  • Barry Corbin
    One Tree Hill, Northern Exposure, Anger Management
    Leonard Barrie "Barry" Corbin (born October 16, 1940) is an American actor. His most well-known role came in the television series Northern Exposure (1990–1995), for which he was consecutively nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards.
  • Danny Glover
    Lonesome Dove, Touch, Rabbit Ears Productions
    Danny Glover, a prominent figure in the Hollywood landscape, is renowned for his vast body of work across multiple genres and platforms. Born on July 22, 1946, in San Francisco, California, Glover's early life was steeped in activism, providing a solid foundation for his later roles as both an actor and humanitarian. Glover's education took place at San Francisco State University, where he trained in acting and became involved in the Black Students' Union. This combination of performance and activism would later become a defining feature of his career. Glover's acting career took flight with his stellar performance in the stage production of Macbeth in 1981. However, it was his role as Roger Murtaugh in the Lethal Weapon film series that catapulted him to international fame. Over the years, Glover has shown remarkable versatility, portraying a wide range of characters in films such as The Color Purple, Beloved, and Dreamgirls. His performances have earned him numerous accolades, including an award for Best Supporting Actor from the National Board of Review. Outside of his acting career, Glover has made significant contributions to humanitarian causes, particularly in the areas of economic justice and access to healthcare. He served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, focusing on issues of poverty, disease, and economic development in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Glover's dedication to these causes extends beyond his ambassadorship, as he continues to lend his voice and resources to improve the lives of those less fortunate. Danny Glover's legacy in the entertainment industry is as much about his compelling performances as it is about his unwavering commitment to social justice.
  • Diane Lane
    Lonesome Dove
    Born on January 22, 1965, in New York City, Diane Lane was raised by her parents Colleen Leigh Farrington, a nightclub singer and Playboy centerfold, and Burton Eugene Lane, a drama coach who once managed Burt Reynolds' acting career. Her foray into acting started early when she made her stage debut at the tender age of six, securing a role in the acclaimed production of Medea at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in New York. Lane's film career kicked off with a bang when she debuted in George Roy Hill's 1979 film, A Little Romance, opposite Sir Laurence Olivier. The film was highly successful, earning Lane recognition as a promising young talent. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she continued to impress critics and audiences alike with her performances in films such as The Outsiders, Under the Tuscan Sun, and Unfaithful, the latter of which garnered her nominations for an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award. Despite her early success, Lane never allowed her career to overshadow her personal life. She has been married twice, first to actor Christopher Lambert with whom she shares a daughter, Eleanor Lambert, and later to actor Josh Brolin, though both marriages ended in divorce. Despite these challenges, Diane Lane continues to shine, carving out an enduring career marked by versatility, depth, and a unique ability to captivate audiences worldwide.
  • D. B. Sweeney
    Lonesome Dove, Life as We Know It, Strange Luck
    Daniel Bernard Sweeney (born November 14, 1961) is an American actor.
  • Frederic Forrest
    Lonesome Dove, 21 Jump Street
    Frederic Fenimore Forrest Jr. (December 23, 1936 – June 23, 2023) was an American actor. Forrest came to public attention for his performance in When the Legends Die (1972), which earned him a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer. He went on to receive Academy and Golden Globe Award nominations in the Best Supporting Actor category for his portrayal of Huston Dyer in the musical drama The Rose (1979). Forrest portrayed Jay "Chef" Hicks in Francis Ford Coppola's epic war film Apocalypse Now (1979), and collaborated with Coppola on four other films: The Conversation (1974), One from the Heart (1982), Hammett (1982) and Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988). Other credits include The Missouri Breaks (1976), The Two Jakes (1990) and Falling Down (1993), along with the television series 21 Jump Street, Lonesome Dove, and Die Kinder.
  • Glenne Headly
    Lonesome Dove, Bastard out of Carolina, Encore! Encore!
    Glenne Aimee Headly (March 13, 1955 – June 8, 2017) was an American actress. She was widely known for her roles in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Dick Tracy, and Mr. Holland's Opus. Headly received a Theatre World Award and four Joseph Jefferson Awards and was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards.In 2017, she starred in The Circle and Just Getting Started, the latter marking her final film role, released six months after her death. She also starred with Ed Begley Jr. and Josh Hutcherson in Future Man, Hulu's half-hour comedy television series produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg; she died on June 8, 2017, mid-way through filming the series.
  • Robert Duvall
    Lonesome Dove, The Defenders, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea
    Robert Duvall, an esteemed actor and filmmaker, has been a prominent figure in the American film industry for over six decades. Born on January 5, 1931, in San Diego, California, Duvall's passion for drama was kindled at a young age, which led him to study at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City. After serving in the U.S. Army during the early 1950s, Duvall embarked on his acting career, making his stage debut in a 1958 production of The Midnight Caller. Duvall's cinematic journey began with a minor role in the iconic film To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), where he played the enigmatic character, Boo Radley. However, it was his riveting portrayal of Tom Hagen in The Godfather (1972) that catapulted him into global stardom, earning him his first Academy Award nomination. Over the years, Duvall showcased his versatility across diverse genres, from drama and crime thrillers to westerns and military films. His spellbinding performance in Tender Mercies (1983) as a washed-up country singer won him the coveted Academy Award for Best Actor. Beyond acting, Duvall has also made significant contributions behind the camera. He directed The Apostle (1997), in which he played the leading role of a charismatic but flawed preacher. This film earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. Duvall's commitment to the craft of filmmaking is evident in his dedication to character development and storytelling, making him a true stalwart of American cinema. His body of work, encompassing over 100 films has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
  • Ricky Schroder
    Lonesome Dove, Silver Spoons, Return to Lonesome Dove
    Richard Bartlett Schroder (born April 13, 1970) is an American actor and film director. As a child actor, billed as Ricky Schroder, Schroder debuted in the film The Champ (1979), going on to become a child star on the sitcom Silver Spoons. He has continued acting as an adult, usually billed as Rick Schroder, notably as "Newt" on the western miniseries Lonesome Dove (1989) and in the crime-drama series NYPD Blue.
  • Robert Urich
    Soap, Lonesome Dove, S.W.A.T.
    Robert Michael Urich (December 19, 1946 – April 16, 2002) was an American film, television, stage actor, and television producer. Over the course of his 30-year career, he starred in a record 15 television series.Urich began his career in television in the early 1970s. After guest stints and roles in short-lived television series, he won a co starring role in the action/crime drama series S.W.A.T. in 1975. In 1976, he landed the role of Dan Tanna in the crime drama series Vega$. It aired on ABC from 1978 to 1981, and earned him two Golden Globe Award nominations. In addition to his work in television, he also starred in several feature films, including Magnum Force (1973), The Ice Pirates (1984), and Turk 182 (1985). From 1985 to 1988, he portrayed the title role in the detective television series Spenser: For Hire, based on Robert B. Parker's series of mystery novels. In 1988, he began hosting the documentary series National Geographic Explorer. He won a CableACE Award for his work on the series. He was also awarded a Golden Boot Award for his work in Western television series and films. In 1996, Urich starred in The Lazarus Man. It was canceled shortly after he announced that he had been diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare cancer, in July 1996. He sought treatment for his illness while continuing his career and also worked to raise money for cancer research. He was declared cancer free in 1998 and returned to television in the UPN series, Love Boat: The Next Wave. In 2000, he made his Broadway debut as Billy Flynn in the musical Chicago. His last role was in the NBC sitcom Emeril in 2001, but in the autumn of that year, his cancer returned and he died at age 55.
  • Steve Buscemi
    The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire, Portlandia
    Steve Buscemi, born on December 13, 1957 in Brooklyn, New York, is a distinctive figure in the American film industry. With his unique features and compelling performances, Buscemi has etched a significant place for himself in Hollywood. Before embarking on his acting career, Buscemi worked as a firefighter in New York City, an experience that later led him to volunteer at Ground Zero after the September 11 attacks. Buscemi's acting career began in the mid-1980s with minor roles in films like Parting Glances and Slaves of New York. However, it was his collaboration with the Coen Brothers that brought him into the limelight. He delivered unforgettable performances in their films such as Miller's Crossing, Barton Fink, and Fargo, the latter earning him significant critical acclaim. Buscemi's ability to infuse characters with a blend of eccentricity and vulnerability quickly made him a sought-after character actor. In addition to his acting career, Buscemi has also established himself as a talented director. His directorial debut came in 1996 with the film Trees Lounge, in which he also starred. He went on to direct several episodes of the hit series The Sopranos, earning an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. Regardless of the role he's playing, whether in front of the camera or behind it, Steve Buscemi consistently brings an intriguing blend of intensity and sensitivity that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
  • Tommy Lee Jones
    Lonesome Dove, The Executioner's Song
    Tommy Lee Jones, an American actor and filmmaker, has captivated audiences globally with his distinctive Texan drawl and riveting performances. Born on September 15, 1946, in San Saba, Texas, Jones' early life was marked by an affinity for literature and sports. These interests led him to Harvard University, where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor's degree in English in 1969. Simultaneously, he developed a passion for acting, which prompted him to move to New York to pursue a career in theater after graduation. After making his Broadway debut in 1969 with A Patriot for Me, Jones transitioned to television and film. His breakthrough role came in 1980 when he played Loretta Lynn's husband, Doolittle Mooney Lynn, in the biographical film Coal Miner's Daughter, earning him widespread acclaim. Over the years, he has demonstrated his range as an actor in multiple genres, from action-packed thrillers like The Fugitive, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, to dramatic roles in films like No Country for Old Men. Beyond acting, Jones has also made significant contributions to the film industry as a director. He made his directorial debut in 1995 with the television movie The Good Old Boys. Since then, he has directed several other projects, including the critically acclaimed film The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, which won him the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival.
  • William Sanderson
    True Blood, Deadwood, Newhart
    William Sanderson (born January 10, 1944) is an American character actor famous for his roles in Blade Runner (1982), Newhart (1982–1990), Deadwood (2004–2006, 2019) and True Blood (2008–2010, 2012).
  • Chris Cooper
    Lonesome Dove, Return to Lonesome Dove
    Chris Cooper, born on July 9, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri, is an accomplished American actor with a career spanning several decades. Notably, he was raised in the Midwest where his father served as a doctor and his mother was a homemaker. His early life was marked by his father's struggle with Alzheimer's disease, an experience which would later profoundly influence his acting choices. Cooper studied at the University of Missouri School of Drama before moving to New York City to pursue a career in acting. Cooper's acting career took flight in the 1980s with a series of stage performances, however, it was his role in John Sayles's Matewan (1987) that marked his film debut. Over the years, he demonstrated a remarkable range, portraying diverse characters in films like American Beauty (1999), October Sky (1999), and The Bourne Identity (2002). However, it was his performance in Adaptation (2002) that won him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Aside from his acting career, Cooper is also known for his dedication to his family. He married Marianne Leone, an actress and writer, in 1983, and their bond grew stronger after the birth of their son, Jesse, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Despite the challenges, they remained committed to providing their son with a normal life and advocating for disability rights. Cooper's life, both in front of and behind the camera, is a testament to his resilience, versatility, and commitment to his craft and family.
  • Timothy Scott
    Lonesome Dove, Return to Lonesome Dove, Ned Blessing: The Story of My Life and Times
    Timothy Scott is an actor.