Who Starred in Have Gun – Will Travel?
Have Gun – Will Travel is a popular American western television series that aired from 1957 to 1963. The show revolved around the adventures of Paladin, a wealthy lawyer-turned-gunfighter, and his trusty sidekick, Hey Boy. Here, we’ll explore who starred in this iconic TV series.
Richard Boone as Paladin
The title character, Paladin, was played by the talented American actor Richard Boone. Boone’s portrayal of Paladin earned him critical acclaim and a reputation as a versatile actor. Here are some of his notable roles:
- The Tall Stranger (1957) – This was Boone’s film debut, where he played the lead role of John Palmer.
- Serenade (1956) – Boone starred alongside Catherine Grant and Steve Forrest in this musical drama film.
- The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) – Boone played the role of Colonel Greenhill, a British Army officer.
Hilario Castillo as Hey Boy
Hilario Castillo played the role of Hey Boy, Paladin’s loyal and trusty servant, in the show. Here are some interesting facts about Castillo:
• Mexican roots: Castillo was born in the United States to Mexican immigrant parents.
• Native American heritage: Castillo also claimed to have some Apache and Comanche ancestry, which added depth to his portrayal of Hey Boy.
Other notable cast members
While Boone and Castillo were the main stars, other talented actors appeared throughout the series. Some of the notable guest stars and recurring characters include:
Recurring Characters:
- Mike Road: Played the role of Tinker, a gunsmith and friend of Paladin.
- Dick Cogan: Portrayed Major Fairchild, a corrupt government agent.
- Randolph Roberts: Played the role of Colonel Tom Horn, a military officer.
Guest Stars:
• Strother Martin: Appeared in four episodes, playing different roles.
• Ed Deemer: Guest-starred in five episodes, primarily playing outlaws and bounty hunters.
• Jack Betts: Played various characters in seven episodes, often as a lawman.
Behind-the-Scenes
Have Gun – Will Travel was filmed in black and white at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. The show’s innovative storytelling, character development, and use of themes attracted a loyal fan base.
Episode Structure
Paladin’s adventures were framed by his encounters with customers at the "Carson City Saloon," a fictional establishment. Each episode typically featured a self-contained story, with Paladin providing his services to help resolve a conflict or save someone from danger.
Conclusion
Have Gun – Will Travel is remembered for its thought-provoking storylines, engaging characters, and the incomparable performances of its leading actors. Richard Boone and Hilario Castillo, respectively, brought Paladin and Hey Boy to life, and their chemistry on-screen still captivates audiences today. The show’s versatility, exploring themes like law and order, justice, and morality, continues to resonate with fans of all ages.
Timeline
| Year | Title | Role | Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1957 | The Tall Stranger | John Palmer | Thomas Carr |
| 1956 | Serenade | Arthur Schwarz | |
| 1957 | The Bridge on the River Kwai | Colonel Greenhill | David Lean |
Fun Facts:
• Have Gun – Will Travel aired for six seasons, spanning 225 episodes.
• Richard Boone served as an executive producer and writer for several episodes of the show.
• Hilario Castillo was a talented linguist and could speak multiple languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, and Native American languages.
References:
- "Have Gun – Will Travel." IMDb.
- "Richard Boone: The Man and His Characters." Western Clippings.
By exploring the world of Have Gun – Will Travel, we can see the impact that talented actors like Richard Boone and Hilario Castillo had on American television. Their memorable performances continue to captivate audiences, making this show an enduring classic of the Western genre.
