Posted on 03/25/2005 7:10:08 PM PST by NormsRevenge
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Don Durant, who in the 1950s starred as gunslinger-turned-sheriff "Johnny Ringo" and also sang and wrote the television show's theme song, has died. He was 72.
Durant, who had chronic lymphocytic leukemia since 1992, died March 15 at his south Orange County home, family members said.
The half-hour series "Johnny Ringo" ran on CBS from 1959 to 1960 and its fast-drawing title character brandished a LeMat handgun that featured an extra barrel that fired a shotgun round. Though it only ran for a season, the Aaron Spelling-produced show generated about 100 toys and other items, including board games, character puppets, gun sets and canteens.
The "Johnny Ringo Western Frontier Play Set," featuring miniature figures, horses and wagons, in 2001 sold on online auction site eBay for $8,998.
Durant who was born in Long Beach in 1932, spent most of his youth at his stepfather's ranch in Elko, Nev., where he learned to ride, rope and shoot.
After stints in the Army and Navy, he pursued an acting and singing career and toured with a theater group.
He signed as a bit player with CBS in 1954 and appeared on "The Jack Benny Show," "The Red Skelton Show" and "General Electric Theater."
Durant also toured with the Tommy Dorsey, Frankie Carle and Ray Anthony orchestras.
He had a leading role in Roger Corman's 1958 low-budget adventure film "She Gods of Shark Reef."
After guest spots on television shows, Durant was cast as Johnny Ringo and married actress Trudy Wroe the same year that he began starring on the show.
He left acting in 1964 and started a career in real estate and financial management.
He is survived by his wife and son, Jeffrey, daughter, Heidi Albus, and two grandchildren.
One of my favorites as a kid. Sad.
LeMat revolver with extra shotgun barrel
What a beaut! Thanks!
Thanks for the links!
That's the same gun Bruce Willis used in 12 Monkeys.
Pretty funky.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.