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 famous for playing Newly O'Brien, a gunsmith who became a deputy, in the TV show Gunsmoke on CBS.

Early Life and Early Roles

Buck Taylor is the son of actor Dub Taylor. He got his nickname "Buck" because he was a big baby when he was born.

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 1960 Summer Olympics. However, Buck did not make the Olympic team. He also spent two years serving in the United States Navy.

His first important acting job 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.

Starring in Gunsmoke

From 1967 to 1975, Buck Taylor played the character Newly O'Brien in the popular TV series Gunsmoke. His character first came to Dodge City as a gunsmith. Later, Newly O'Brien became a deputy marshal.

Buck Taylor took over the role from Roger Ewing, who played another deputy. In 1987, Buck Taylor played Newly O'Brien again. This was in the TV movie Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge, where his character was the city's marshal.

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

Buck Taylor's Artwork

Buck Taylor also went to the Chouinard Art Institute to study art. Since 1993, he has been selling his paintings. He uses watercolor and acrylic paints.

His artwork often shows cowboys, Native Americans, and horses. Many of his paintings are of characters and scenes from movies and TV shows he has been in. These paintings are made into prints that people can buy. He is also the official artist for many rodeos and state fairs. He creates their posters to help promote the events.

Movies and TV Shows

Buck Taylor has appeared in many movies and television shows.

Movies

Television Shows