Buck Taylor facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Buck Taylor
Taylor at the 2011 Dallas International Film Festival
Born	Walter Clarence Taylor III (1938-05-13) May 13, 1938 (age 87)
Occupation	Actor, artist
Years active	1961–present
Spouse(s)	Judy Nugent ​ ​ (m. 1961; div. 1983)​ Goldie Ann Taylor ​ ​ (m. 1995)​
Parent(s)	Dub Taylor (father)

Buck Taylor, born Walter Clarence Taylor III on May 13, 1938, is an American actor and artist. He is most famous for playing Newly O'Brian in the TV show Gunsmoke. In the show, his character started as a gunsmith and later became a deputy sheriff.

Early Life and Acting Career

Buck Taylor is the son of Dub Taylor, who was also a well-known actor. Buck got his nickname because he was a big baby, weighing nine pounds at birth. People said he "looked like a big buck."

He went to North Hollywood High School and was a very good gymnast. Another actor, Guinn "Big Boy" Williams, helped him try out for the U.S. Olympic team in gymnastics. However, Buck did not qualify for the 1960 Summer Olympics. He also served two years in the United States Navy.

Buck's first important acting role was in 1961. He played Trooper Shattuck in an episode of Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre. He also appeared in The Outer Limits in 1964. In 1966, he played John Bradford in four episodes of the Western TV series The Monroes.

Playing Newly O'Brian in Gunsmoke

From 1967 to 1975, Buck Taylor played the character Newly O'Brian in the popular TV series Gunsmoke. He took over the role after Roger Ewing, who played another deputy, left the show.

Newly O'Brian first came to Dodge City as a gunsmith, someone who makes and fixes guns. Later, he became a deputy marshal, helping to keep the peace. Buck Taylor played Newly again in the 1987 TV movie Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge. In this movie, his character had become the city's marshal.

In 1981, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum honored Buck Taylor. They put him in the Cowboy Hall of Fame. He received the Trustee Award for his great acting on Gunsmoke.

Buck Taylor's Artwork

Besides acting, Buck Taylor is also a talented artist. He studied art at the Chouinard Art Institute. Since 1993, he has been selling his paintings. He uses watercolors and acrylics to create his art.

His paintings often show cowboys, Native Americans, and horses. Many of his artworks are inspired by the characters and scenes from the movies and TV shows he has been in. You can buy prints of his paintings in different sizes. He is also the official artist for many rodeos and state fairs. He creates the posters that promote these events.

Film Roles

Buck Taylor has acted in many movies over the years.

Television Appearances

Buck Taylor has also appeared in many television shows and movies.