Richard Boone was an American actor who is best known for his role as Paladin in the popular western series Have Gun – Will Travel, as well as notable performances in films like The Robe and The Alamo.
Personal and Family Life
Richard Allen Boone was born on June 18, 1917, in Los Angeles, California, to Kirk E. Boone and Cecile Lillian Beckerman. He came from a well-off family; his mother’s parents were Russian Jewish immigrants, and his father was related to the famous frontiersmen Daniel Boone. Boone was married three times, with his last marriage to Mary Claire McAloon lasting from 1951 until his death in 1981.
Career
Before becoming an actor, Boone had a varied early life that included being a college student, boxer, and oil-field worker. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, after which he studied acting under the G.I. Bill. His acting career took off when he made his Broadway debut in “Medea.” He gained fame for his distinctive deep voice and engaging performances in numerous westerns and war films, ultimately becoming a household name with his role as Paladin.
Death and Legacy
Richard Boone passed away on January 10, 1981, in St. Augustine, Florida, due to throat cancer. He left behind a legacy as a talented actor with a memorable on-screen presence, influencing many performers in the genre of westerns and beyond. His work, particularly in Have Gun – Will Travel, continues to be celebrated by audiences and critics alike.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Hobbit | 1977-11-27 | Smaug (voice) |
| The Big Sleep | 1978-03-13 | Lash Cansino |
| Big Jake | 1971-05-26 | John Fain |
| Beneath the 12-Mile Reef | 1953-12-02 | Thomas Rhys |
| The Garment Jungle | 1957-05-01 | Artie Ravidge |
| Rio Conchos | 1964-10-28 | Maj. James ‘Jim’ Lassiter |
| The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel | 1951-10-16 | Capt. Hermann Aldinger |
| The Shootist | 1976-07-21 | Sweeney |
| I Bury the Living | 1958-07-01 | Robert Kraft |
| Hombre | 1967-03-21 | Cicero Grimes |
| Winter Kills | 1979-05-11 | Keifitz |
| The Robe | 1953-09-16 | Pontius Pilate |
| The War Lord | 1965-11-17 | Bors |
| The Tall T | 1957-04-02 | Frank Usher |
| Man Without a Star | 1955-03-24 | Steve Miles |
| Dragnet | 1954-09-04 | Capt. James E. Hamilton |
| Vicki | 1953-10-05 | Lt. Ed Cornell |