James Drury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Drury
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James Drury in a publicity photo for The Virginian (1971)
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James Child Drury Jr.
April 18, 1934 New York City, New York, U.S.
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| Died | April 6, 2020 (aged 85) Houston, Texas, U.S.
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| Alma mater | New York University UCLA |
| Occupation | Actor; voice talent, oil and natural gas businessman |
| Years active | 1955–2020 |
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| Children | 2 (including Timothy Drury) |
| Parent(s) | James Child Drury Sr. Beatrice Crawford Drury |
James Child Drury Jr. (born April 18, 1934 – died April 6, 2020) was an American actor. He was most famous for playing the main character in the TV show The Virginian. This popular Western series was on NBC from 1962 to 1971.
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Early Life and Education
James Drury was born in New York City. His father, James Child Drury Sr., was a New York University professor. James grew up in both New York City and Salem, Oregon. His mother owned a farm in Oregon. When he was ten, James got polio, a serious illness.
He studied acting at New York University. He also took classes at UCLA. This helped him finish his degree after he started acting in movies.
Acting Career Highlights
James Drury began acting professionally when he was twelve years old. His first role was in a play called Life with Father.
Early Roles in Movies and TV
In 1954, he signed a movie contract with MGM. He appeared in small parts in several films. Later, at 20th Century Fox, he was in movies like Love Me Tender (1956). He also appeared in Bernardine (1957).
Drury also acted in many TV shows. He was in "Murder at the Mansion" on Richard Diamond, Private Detective in 1959. He played Neal Adams in the ABC western series Black Saddle. He also appeared in Death Valley Days as a young miner named Joe Plato.
In 1960, he had roles in The Rebel. He also played Justin Claiborne in NBC's Wagon Train. That same year, he was in the Disney movie Pollyanna. He played George Dodds, who was a love interest in the story.
Becoming The Virginian
James Drury appeared in a Sam Peckinpah western film called Ride the High Country (1962). Soon after, he got his most famous role. He became the main character, the ranch foreman, in The Virginian. This was a very popular and long-running TV series. It lasted for nine seasons, until 1971.
While working on The Virginian, Drury also helped entertain soldiers. In 1966, he and his band, the Wilshire Boulevard Buffalo Hunters, performed 54 shows for troops in Vietnam.
Later Work
After The Virginian, Drury continued his role in The Men from Shiloh (1970-1971). He also played Captain Spike Ryerson in the drama series Firehouse in 1974.
In 1993, Drury had a guest role in Walker, Texas Ranger. He played Captain Tom Price alongside Chuck Norris. He also had a small part in the 2000 TV movie version of The Virginian. This movie followed the original book more closely. Drury appeared in other films and TV shows, like The Young Warriors. He was also in The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw with Doug McClure. McClure played Trampas in The Virginian.
In 1991, James Drury was honored. He was added to the Hall of Great Western Performers. This is at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
Personal Life
James Drury married Carl Ann Head in 1979. He passed away from natural causes on April 6, 2020, at 85 years old.
Other Interests
Besides acting, James Drury was also involved in business. He worked in the oil and natural gas industry in Houston. His son, Timothy Drury, is a musician. Timothy has played keyboards and guitar for famous rock bands like The Eagles and Whitesnake.
See also
In Spanish: James Drury para niños
