What Became Of Laramie’s Icons
Their rugged faces once dominated the frontier town of Laramie, but history had other plans once fame faded. Some rose to Hollywood glory, others chose quiet lives far from spotlights.
John Smith
Best remembered for his strong-jawed portrayal of rancher Slim Sherman, John Smith helped anchor Laramie with a steady presence and quiet conviction. Before landing the role, he had appeared in popular films like Friendly Persuasion. Following Laramie, Smith stayed busy on television with roles in Cimarron City and Emergency!
NBC, Cimarron City (1958–1959)
John Smith (Cont.)
However, he never again achieved the same level of recognition. His career gradually slowed in the early 1970s, and he retired from acting shortly afterward. Smith passed away in 1995 at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy tied closely to classic television Westerns.
Robert Fuller
Already building a reputation from supporting film roles, Robert Fuller became a star as the fast-talking, sharp-shooting Jess Harper. His gritty charisma and natural horsemanship made him a fan favorite on Laramie. After the series, Fuller joined Wagon Train and later made a successful shift into modern-day dramas.
Robert Fuller (Cont.)
Fuller became known as Dr Kelly Brackett on Emergency! alongside Julie London, but he officially retired from acting in 2001 and moved to Texas. Today, he remains active in Western heritage events and fan conventions. Now in his nineties, he continues to be celebrated as one of television’s most iconic cowboy heroes.
NBC Television, Wikimedia Commons
Hoagy Carmichael
Known long before Laramie as a legendary songwriter, Hoagy Carmichael brought warmth and gentle humor to the character of Jonesy, the ranch’s caretaker, during the show’s first season. Carmichael’s screen presence offered a comforting balance to the rugged frontier action. Nevertheless, his contract was not renewed for the second season.
Hoagy Carmichael (Cont.)
As a result, he returned to his primary passion: composing music. Among his most famous pieces are American standards “Stardust,” “Georgia on My Mind,” and “Heart and Soul.” Carmichael continued performing occasionally on film and television until the late 1960s. He passed away in 1981, remembered equally for his music and natural screen charm.
Samuel Goldwyn Company, Wikimedia Commons
Robert L Crawford Jr
As Slim Sherman’s younger brother, Andy, Robert L Crawford Jr delivered a spirited and energetic performance that appealed to younger viewers. Appearing during the show’s first season, the young actor left Laramie early when the character was written out. Rather than pursue a long-term acting career, Crawford stepped behind the camera in adulthood.
Robert L Crawford Jr (Cont.)
He successfully transitioned into producing, where he worked on acclaimed films such as Slaughterhouse-Five and The World According to Garp. His move from acting to production marked a rare but impressive pivot. Today, Crawford is respected primarily for his work behind the scenes in Hollywood.
Spring Byington
Veteran actress Spring Byington entered Laramie midway through its run as Daisy Cooper. Her acting brought refinement and maternal strength to the storyline. By the time she joined the series, she had already earned an Oscar nomination for You Can’t Take It With You and starred in several successful radio and television programs.
Columbia Pictures, You Can’t Take It with You (1938)
Spring Byington (Cont.)
In Laramie, she provided emotional depth and a sense of permanence to the ranch household. Byington continued acting until the late 1960s, capping off a career that shared space with cinema’s Golden Age. She passed away in 1971, celebrated for her grace and broad dramatic range.
NBC Television, Wikimedia Commons
Dennis Holmes
With heartwarming storylines about his adoption by Slim and Jess, Dennis Holmes joined Laramie in its later seasons as young orphan Mike Williams. While his performance was well received, Holmes chose to leave acting shortly after the series ended, stepping away from Hollywood while still in his teens.
Dennis Holmes (Cont.)
Eventually, he pursued a career in technology and business, settling into a low-profile but successful life outside the entertainment industry. Holmes rarely grants interviews but has occasionally appeared at reunion events. Fans remain fond of his role, as it softened the show’s rugged tone and added a touching family element.
Stuart Randall
Stuart Randall portrayed Sheriff Mort Corey, the steadfast lawman tasked with maintaining order in and around Laramie. Appearing frequently throughout the series, his character became symbolic of frontier justice and small-town resilience. Prior to the show, Randall earned steady work in Westerns throughout the 1950s.
Film screenshot (C.G.K. Productions), Wikimedia Commons
Stuart Randall (Cont.)
He played roles in The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp and Cheyenne. After Laramie, he continued appearing in television series such as Bonanza and The Virginian, usually cast as tough authority figures. Randall’s career slowed down in the late 1970s, and he retired quietly before passing away in 1988.
Eddy Waller
In one of the most memorable semi-regular appearances on Laramie, veteran character actor Eddy Waller was cast as a stagecoach driver. With a screen career stretching back to the 1930s, Waller had already become a familiar face to Western audiences through roles in several series and dozens of B-movie serials.
Eddy Waller (Cont.)
His rugged features and quietly dignified performances added authenticity to every episode in which he appeared. After Laramie, he continued working steadily in television until retiring in 1963. Waller passed away in 1977 at age 88, leaving behind a rich legacy across classic Western cinema.
Film screenshot (Producers Releasing Corporation), Wikimedia Commons
Charles Bronson
First appearing on Laramie during Season 1, Charles Bronson brought a menacing presence that foreshadowed his later rise to tough-guy stardom. His brief appearance showcased raw intensity and rugged charisma that soon propelled him into legendary film roles like Death Wish, turning him into one of Hollywood’s most iconic action stars.
Paramount Pictures, Death Wish (1974)
Claude Akins
Claude Akins surfaced repeatedly on Laramie, portraying villains and frontier figures with booming confidence and physical strength. These roles served as a springboard into a prolific television career, eventually leading him to starring vehicles such as Movin’ On, which capitalized on his commanding screen presence and relatable everyman charm.
Lee Van Cleef
Already a veteran of countless Westerns, Lee Van Cleef’s angular features and steely glare made his Laramie appearances unforgettable. He later achieved worldwide fame in Sergio Leone’s spaghetti-Western classics. His time on the show highlighted his merciless screen persona long before he became “Angel Eyes” to international audiences.
Giulio Petroni (director)PEC/United Artists, Wikimedia Commons
DeForest Kelley
Prior to boldly going as Dr McCoy on Star Trek, DeForest Kelley visited Laramie, portraying morally complex frontier characters. His understated delivery brought intellectual sharpness to the Western world. These appearances helped transition him from traditional cowboy films into the science-fiction role that would define his legacy.
NBC Television, Wikimedia Commons
Harry Dean Stanton
Young and largely unknown, Harry Dean Stanton appeared on Laramie in early career-defining parts. Even in limited screen time, he carried a low-key intensity that later made him a favorite in films like Alien and Paris, Texas. These early roles hinted at the uniquely soulful style he perfected.
20th Century Fox, Paris, Texas (1984)
Ben Johnson
Already a real-life rodeo champion, Ben Johnson appeared on Laramie, bringing authenticity to his cowboy portrayals. His straightforward charm and horsemanship later helped him win an Oscar for The Last Picture Show. Johnson’s guest roles on the series reflected his commitment to keeping Western storytelling grounded and believable.
Columbia Pictures, The Last Picture Show (1971)
Julie London
Before reuniting with Robert Fuller on Emergency!, singer-actress Julie London briefly graced Laramie, blending smoky charm with emotional depth. Her performances were understated yet memorable, mirroring the cool sophistication of her music career. London’s screen presence ensured her guest roles left a strong and memorable impression.
NBC Television, Wikimedia Commons
John Dehner
The dignified voice and aristocratic look made John Dehner a standout regular throughout television Westerns, including Laramie. His performances often balanced authority and menace, elevating otherwise routine storylines. Afterward, he continued into voice work and dramatic roles, becoming one of Hollywood’s most reliably polished supporting players.
CBS Enterprises, Wikimedia Commons
Anna-Lisa
Norwegian-born actress Anna-Lisa made a striking impression in her Laramie appearances. After moving to America in the 1950s, she found steady work in television Westerns, including Black Saddle and Sugarfoot, where her poise and emotional accessibility stood out. By the early 1970s, she stepped away from acting and returned to Norway, where she worked as a puppeteer.
NBC Television, Wikimedia Commons
