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Hall of Great Western Performers
Inducted in 2006
Buck Taylor
Taylor is an American actor and artist best known for his portrayal of Newly O’Brian, a gunsmith-turned-deputy, in the CBS series Gunsmoke. The son of character actor Dub Taylor, Buck earned his nickname for his robust birth weight. He attended North Hollywood High School, where he excelled as a gymnast, even training for the U.S. Olympic Trials, though he did not qualify for the 1960 Summer Olympics. Following his high school years, he served in the U.S. Navy.
Taylor’s acting career began with roles in television, including an appearance on Zane Grey Theatre in 1961 and a part in The Outer Limits in 1964. From 1967 to 1975, he became a household name as Newly O’Brian on Gunsmoke, stepping into the role after Roger Ewing’s departure. He reprised this character in the 1987 film Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge.
In addition to acting, Taylor is an accomplished artist, having studied at the Chouinard Art Institute. Since 1993, he has created and sold watercolor and acrylic paintings, often depicting cowboys, Native Americans, and horses, as well as scenes from his film and television work. He is recognized as the official artist for numerous rodeos and state fairs.
Taylor is an American actor and artist best known for his portrayal of Newly O’Brian, a gunsmith-turned-deputy, in the CBS series Gunsmoke. The son of character actor Dub Taylor, Buck earned his nickname for his robust birth weight. He attended North Hollywood High School, where he excelled as a gymnast, even training for the U.S. Olympic Trials, though he did not qualify for the 1960 Summer Olympics. Following his high school years, he served in the U.S. Navy.
Taylor’s acting career began with roles in television, including an appearance on Zane Grey Theatre in 1961 and a part in The Outer Limits in 1964. From 1967 to 1975, he became a household name as Newly O’Brian on Gunsmoke, stepping into the role after Roger Ewing’s departure. He reprised this character in the 1987 film Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge.
In addition to acting, Taylor is an accomplished artist, having studied at the Chouinard Art Institute. Since 1993, he has created and sold watercolor and acrylic paintings, often depicting cowboys, Native Americans, and horses, as well as scenes from his film and television work. He is recognized as the official artist for numerous rodeos and state fairs.
