Artists and filmmakers who made westerns have left indelible impressions on audiences. We see them on screen, in action, and they stay with us forever. If we are lucky, they continue to entertain us as they transition from youthful performers to character roles. No matter how long their careers last, it’s always sad when they pass.

When they die too young, it’s a tragedy. A loss for their family and friends and for us, co-workers, viewers, and fans. I’ve been thinking about those who contributed to the western genre who died and couldn’t continue.

Of course, I think all of them died too soon. Well, maybe Nehemiah Persoff, who passed at 102, is an exception. Although he was still sharp and filled with stories when I interviewed him shortly before he died, it would have been nice to chat with him again. But how about those who died earlier in their life, cutting their careers short? What would their further contributions have been?

I picked the age of 50 as the cut-off age. Most in our tribute died younger. I wish they had all lived longer to give us years more of their work to enjoy. May they all Rest in Peace.

For this special presentation and tribute, I limited the selection to 12 performers who made westerns to showcase and honor. You might be surprised at who some of them are. I still enjoy seeing them on film and in repeats. I hope you do, too.

Let us know who you miss most on this list & who you'd like to see in a potential volumes. A sequel to this episode is called THE UNLUCKY 13 WESTERN STARS WHO DIED TOO SOON and is available to screen on the AWOW channel. The episode recently won the Western Writers of America Spur Finalist Award for Best Documentary Script. Thanks to all who helped make it successful. Rob

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