Beloved ‘Gunsmoke’ actor Buck Taylor lands recurring role on Yellowstone

We grew accustomed to seeing Buck Taylor portray a handsome gunsmith-turned-deputy on television.

And 50 years after his breakthrough role, the actor is now portraying another iconic character in Yellowstone. Even though he has aged since then, his acting ability remains the same!

Born Walter Clarence Taylor III but popularly known by his stage name Buck Taylor, was born on May 13, 1938.

Taylor did not land in Hollywood by accident but was brought there by his father, Dub Taylor. His father was a popular character actor and has appeared on-screen with legends such as John Wayne, Tex Ritter, and Bob Wills.

Taylor has led an incredibly charmed life. He graduated from North Hollywood High School after which he went to the University of Southern California to study theatre arts.

Apart from this, in his life, he also tried out for the 1960 Olympics in the gymnastics category and also served in the US Navy for two years.

His first role on television was as a character in “Image of a Drawn Sword” on CBS’s Dick Powell’s Zane Grey Theater. He then went on to get roles in productions like Johnny Shiloh, The Rebel, Stoney Burke, and more.

But it was in 1967 that Taylor made his breakthrough in Hollywood with his iconic role. Starting in 1967, he starred for eight years in the series “Gunsmoke” as deputy Newly O’Brien.

After “Gunsmoke” ended in 1975, Buck went on to act in a multitude of projects. The actor played roles in series like “General Hospital” as well as earning a recurring role in the acclaimed series “Yellowstone.” He truly has been in some very iconic American shows.

Apart from the critical and commercial acclaim he received for his acting, in 1981 Taylor was also honored by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. He was inducted into the museum’s cowboy hall of fame with a Trustee Award for his character portrayal in the “Gunsmoke” series.

He even reprised his legendary role of Newly O’Brien in 1987 for the television movie “Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge,” in which he played the city’s marshall.

Later in life, Taylor attended Chouinard Art Institute to learn another form of art; watercolor and acrylic painting. Since 1993, Taylor’s paintings of cowboys, Native Americans, and horses have been getting incredibly popular. His prowess as an artist is now very well known.

His latest acting project, “Yellowstone” is a show about a family running the largest ranch in Montana. Taylor is playing Emmett Walsh, an experienced rancher who is also the chairman of the Stock Growers Association. He stars on the show alongside Kevin Costner, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, and more!

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The show has had four seasons so far and has been renewed for a fifth season earlier this year. So Buck Taylor will be appearing on our screens as Emmett Walsh once again!

The actor truly does have a very impressive filmography. And apart from acting, he has made sure to have other interests that he delves into and promotes, such as his painting.

Share the good news with other Buck Taylor fans about his return to our television screens!