The Greatest Western Movie Stars
Here you will find all of the greatest Western movie stars of television and film in one list of the best cowboy actors. Some of these top Western characters were featured in the greatest Western movies ever made, while others starred in classic TV series and mini-series. Whatever the medium, these are the best of the West(ern characters).
The TV Western series, a now almost-dead genre of entertainment, was once all the rage, attracting some of the biggest stars in Hollywood to roles, where a horse was the supporting actor. These stars were some of the biggest and brightest, not only on TV, but in films as well. From Clint Eastwood (perhaps the biggest Western star of all time) to Steve McQueen (a true outlaw through and through), this list of famous old cowboys brings together the best of the genre in one Western stars list.
Who were the greatest Western movie stars? Who are the classic cowboys (and cowgirls) in Westerns? It's time to vote and find out! Vote up your favorite Western TV and movie stars, and vote down the ones you think should be run out of town. Then check back to see if your favorite Western movie stars topped our list.
- 1Winterset, Iowa, USA
- Credits (Film): The Searchers, The Longest Day, Stagecoach, True Grit, Rio Bravo
John Wayne, the iconic and larger-than-life figure, epitomized the Wild West and etched his name in the history of the silver screen. His well-loved portrayals, like that of Rooster Cogburn in True Grit, showcased his distinctive drawl and unparalleled charisma, placing him atop the ranks of Hollywood legends.
- 2USA, California, San Francisco
- Credits (Film): Good, Unforgiven, Dirty Harry, Million Dollar Baby, Back to the Future Part II
Clint Eastwood, with his menacing glare and steely grit, took the reins as the quintessential antihero in spaghetti westerns like The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. This cowboy-turned-filmmaker not only ruled the box office but also earned a reputation for pushing the boundary in storytelling.
- 3Sacramento, California, USA
- Credits (Film): The Big Lebowski, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Ghost Rider, Hulk, We Were Soldiers
Sam Elliott, with his signature bushy mustache and deep, resonant voice, became synonymous with his roles as gruff and rugged cowboys. Elliot stole hearts in films like Tombstone and even racked up several accolades for his genuine and honest depictions.
- 4Foraker, Oklahoma, USA
- Credits (Film): The Wild Bunch, Shane, The Last Picture Show, Red Dawn, The Getaway
As for Ben Johnson, a genuine cowboy from Oklahoma, he brought realism and a no-nonsense attitude to his roles in classics such as The Wild Bunch and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. His authentic presence made him a true asset to the Western genre for decades.
- 5
Jack Elam
Miami, Arizona, USA- Credits (Film): Once Upon a Time in the West, High Noon, The Cannonball Run, Kiss Me Deadly, Support Your Local Sheriff!
Jack Elam, with his unmistakable look and devilish charm, always added a spark of unpredictability to any role he inhabited. From Rawhide to Cannonball Run, his quirky and cynical characters stole the spotlight and endeared him to audiences.
- 6USA, Virginia
- Credits (Film): Island of Lost Souls, Ride the High Country, Jesse James, The Tall T, Follow the Fleet
Randolph Scott, the tall, gallant star, dominated the genre as a stalwart leading man. His contributions, such as the epic Ride the High Country, showcased both his acting chops and personal code of honor, making him an unsung hero of the Wild West.
