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National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum ®

Hall of Fame

Great Western Performers

These icons of the big and small screen have embodied the stories of the American West since the silent film era. Each year we add to their ranks, building on the history that started in Hollywood, but has grown worldwide.

Qualifications Nominate History

Crafting the unforgettable moments of Hollywood Westerns

From the minute John Wayne led the parade to open the doors of our Museum in 1965, Great Western Performers have been at the forefront of the mythology and magic of the American West.

John Wayne leads parade

In our Hall of Great Western Performers, we salute the great actors and actresses who have become larger-than-life in telling Western tales. And they’ve also created some of the best movies and performances in history: Oscar winners like “Dances With Wolves” and critical favorites like “High Noon”.

But as all fans of Western know, there are many other favorites that are personal to each viewer and their memories.

View Entire Hall of Fame

Criteria for Individuals selected for Induction into the Hall of Great Western Performers

  • Criteria of individuals will be selected following careful evaluation of the following:
  • Significant contributions by a performer, living or deceased, to the perpetuation of Western entertainment media.
  • Outstanding career achievement, including but not limited to performances in five productions.
  • Nominee projects the traditional Western ideals of honesty, integrity and self-sufficiency in career endeavors over a lifetime.
  • The Board of Directors of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum may consider an outstanding ensemble production to receive a Special Directors’ Award.
Nominee Name(Required)
Address (if living)
Contact Information for Submitter(Required)
Address(Required)
List of Significant Recognition or Awards(Required)
Indicate each award or accomplishment on a new line. Use the plus sign to add a new line
Filmography or Stage Credits(Required)
Indicate each credit on a new line. Use the plus sign to add a new line
Drop files here or
Accepted file types: jpg, png, pdf, Max. file size: 20 MB, Max. files: 6.
    Maximum of 5 Letters of Recommendation. Image of nominee needs to be in a jpg format and any letters of recommendation need to be in pdf format