Beloved ‘60s television actor Randy Boone has died, The Hollywood Reporter reports. He was 83.
Randy Boone Has Passed Away
The news of Boone’s passing was shared on August 31, but the actor’s wife, Lana, told The Hollywood Reporter that he died on Thursday, August 28. No other details of Boone’s death were shared.
Boone, born January 17, 1942, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, had an impressive career in the 1960s and early 1970s. Notable credits include the 1962 comedy drama “It’s a Man’s World” and the 1967 Western series “Cimarron Strip.” However, Boone’s most well-known role was in the popular and long-running ‘60s television show, “The Virginian.” He appeared in 46 episodes, departing from the show in April 1966.
The decision to let Boone go was one he reflected on in Paul Green’s 2006 book, “A History of Television’s The Virginian, 1962-1971.”
“I was told that [producer] Frank [Price] thought I was window dressing and wasn’t needed on the show, but I feel that I was needed as much as anybody,” Boone said, The Hollywood Reporter reports. “I think a show suffers when you make big changes and you lose the actors that caused the people to fall in love with it.”
His interview with Green also shared a glimpse into his life and how he discovered acting. “I’m going to take my guitar and I’m going to hitchhike around the country and have some fun until the Army drafts me, and then I’ll let them beat some discipline into me,” he said. “I couldn’t wait to get out of school and have a good time.”
When Boone made his way to Los Angeles in 1962, he landed the role in “It’s a Man’s World,” and so, his foray into acting began. Boone would later leave the entertainment industry for a career in construction in the ‘80s, The Hollywood Report reports.
Randy Boone Remembered Fondly
Boone was a fascinating individual and someone who his loved ones will miss. Tributes have already begun pouring in.
“We started our friendship over a dozen years ago when he came back home for a little mini-show and Q&A at Sandhills Music Center. He still had that same country boy look and charisma as he did in the roles he played on TV decades earlier,” Rick Lewis wrote on Facebook. “He was humble, soft spoken and had a way of making you feel special. What an amazing story for such an amazing man from our little neck of the woods.”
“Shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend Randy Boone …. He was such a nice Guy,” another friend shared on Facebook. “The Characters he played were him, but he was so much more… always friendly, smiling, asking about the grandkid. Just a great person….My thoughts and Prayers for Randy and his Family…lots of Love to his lovely wife Lana.”
Another commenter shared their thoughts on Facebook, writing, “I just saw this on Randy Boone’s FB site. Please pray for his wife, Lana, and his sister Lynn Boone Breeden.”
