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Hall of Great Western Performers
Inducted in 1991
James Drury
Drury was best known for his portrayal of the title character in The Virginian, a 90-minute weekly Western television series that aired on NBC from 1962 to 1971. Born in New York City, Drury split his childhood between New York and Salem, Oregon, where his mother owned a farm. Overcoming polio at age 10, Drury pursued drama studies at New York University and UCLA before beginning his acting career.
Drury’s early roles included bit parts in films for MGM and 20th Century Fox, such as Love Me Tender (1956). His career began to gain traction with guest appearances in Western television series like Wagon Train, Black Saddle, and The Rebel. In 1962, he landed his breakthrough role as the ranch foreman on The Virginian, which ran for nine seasons and remains one of the longest-running Western TV series.
Drury’s performance on The Virginian was deeply influenced by his grandfather, who shaped his portrayal of the stoic yet just character. After the show, Drury continued working in Westerns and appeared in various television roles, including guest appearances on Walker, Texas Ranger and a cameo in a 2000 TV movie adaptation of The Virginian.
Drury was best known for his portrayal of the title character in The Virginian, a 90-minute weekly Western television series that aired on NBC from 1962 to 1971. Born in New York City, Drury split his childhood between New York and Salem, Oregon, where his mother owned a farm. Overcoming polio at age 10, Drury pursued drama studies at New York University and UCLA before beginning his acting career.
Drury’s early roles included bit parts in films for MGM and 20th Century Fox, such as Love Me Tender (1956). His career began to gain traction with guest appearances in Western television series like Wagon Train, Black Saddle, and The Rebel. In 1962, he landed his breakthrough role as the ranch foreman on The Virginian, which ran for nine seasons and remains one of the longest-running Western TV series.
Drury’s performance on The Virginian was deeply influenced by his grandfather, who shaped his portrayal of the stoic yet just character. After the show, Drury continued working in Westerns and appeared in various television roles, including guest appearances on Walker, Texas Ranger and a cameo in a 2000 TV movie adaptation of The Virginian.
