'The Virginian' actor James Drury dies at 85: 'One of the best cowboys ever'
Actor James Drury, well-known for playing the terse rancher with no name in one of the longest-running Westerns in the history of television, died on April 6 of natural causes. He was 85. The news was confirmed by his assistant, Karen Lindsey, who took to Facebook to post a tribute.
The post was shared on Drury's Facebook page and read, "It is with immense sadness that I let you all know that James Drury, our beloved Virginian, and dear friend passed away this morning of natural causes, Monday, April 6, 2020. He will be missed so much. It is beyond words. Memorial service to be determined later." The message was attributed to Lindsay.
Fans have since expressed their shock and condolences on social media. One fan wrote, "I have no words because I’m saddened beyond belief. My tear-filled eyes can barely type this. I loved him and his work as an actor very much. One of the best cowboys ever. RIP “Virginian.” Your legacy will live on."
Another shared, "I am shocked and so very sad. I feel I knew JAMES DRURY as a friend. I've watched him for many years and will never ever forget this wonderful man. My love is sent to his family and friends. You are now with God in Heaven and sitting with your wonderful wife by your side."
Other than 'The Virginian', Drury appeared in other westerns on the big screen as well. This includes the1959 film 'Good Day for a Hanging' with Fred MacMurray, 'Ten Who Dared' (1960), and Sam Peckinpah's 'Ride the High Country'.
According to 'The Hollywood Reporter', Drury also supported singers Elvis Presley and Pat Boone in their respective film debuts 'Love me Tender' and 'Bernardine'.
'The Virginian' is based on Owen Wister's novel of the same name and was executive produced by Roy Huggins and his father-in-law, Frank Price, who later became the chief of Columbia and Universal Studio.
They launched the show that aired on NBC between 1962 and 1971, running for nine seasons.
Drury's character in the show had no name and was always referred to as "The Virginian" - someone who routinely did the right thing including rescuing people, fighting rustlers and outlaws in Wyoming Territory in the 1890s.
In a 2016 interview with Cowboys and Indians, the actor spoke about shooting for the show whose episodes were usually 90 minutes long and said, "It was like doing a movie every week. We had 79 minutes and 30 seconds worth of film, which was as long as a lot of feature films of the day. It was a very radical concept. I know Wagon Train went to a 90-minute format for one season, and there may have been other attempts. But no one has ever been successful with 90 minutes for a Western series except The Virginian."