James Drury's Legacy Lives On: The Man Who Defined The Virginian

Let’s talk about a true icon of the screen: James Drury. The legendary actor passed away in April 2020, but his impact on television and pop culture remains as strong as ever. When you think about the 1960s, one of the first things that come to mind is the show The Virginian. And at the heart of it all was James Drury, who left behind a net worth of $1.5 million, according to celebritynetworth.com. That’s not just money—it’s a testament to the incredible career he built over the years.

James Drury wasn’t just an actor; he was a craftsman who brought the character of the Virginian to life for almost a decade, from 1962 to 1971. That’s nearly ten years of wearing the hat, riding the horse, and showing the world what a real cowboy looked like. In a 2018 interview with the Oklahoma newspaper The Daily Ardmoreite, James reflected on his iconic role. “The Virginian was an indelible character,” he said. But being tied to such a legendary figure wasn’t always easy. “I had a great deal of issues getting past being seen as the man in the black hat,” he admitted. Can you imagine? A guy so good at his job that people couldn’t see him as anything else!

Behind the Scenes of The Virginian: A Workhorse in Action

It wasn’t all glamour and glory for James. Behind the scenes, the production of The Virginian was a whirlwind. In a 2016 interview with Cowboys and Indians magazine, James gave us a glimpse into the chaos and creativity that went into making the show. “See, we had to provide one episode every week—but it took eight days to make one, so we had to make two or three at a time,” he explained. “You’d have a show where Doug McClure would have the largest role, and I’d come in for a small part. Then I’d go to another episode where I had the starring role, and I’d do several pages of script. And then I’d go someplace where Gary Clarke maybe had the starring role.” It sounds like a juggling act, but James made it work, and the result was pure magic.

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Why Did Fans Love The Virginian So Much?

When asked why The Virginian resonated so deeply with audiences, James had a simple yet profound answer: it was all about the storytelling. “I think people respond to it because they get involved in the story, and it takes them away from their own problems, which is the definition of entertainment,” he said. “That’s what we were able to do, so I was very pleased and honored to be part of it. I still am quite proud of the show. And rightfully so, I believe.” There’s something special about a show that can transport you to another world, and The Virginian did just that.

James Drury's Legacy Continues Through His Sons

James Drury may have left this world, but his legacy lives on through his two sons, Timothy Drury and James Drury Jr. These men carry forward the spirit of their father, ensuring that his name continues to be remembered in the annals of television history.