
Wagon Train Cast Where Are They Now? This Is What You Should Know
Have you been a keen follower of Wagon Train? You probably have a lot to say about the characters. Find out where the Wagon Train cast is now.
Western is a genre in fiction set between the late 19th century and early 20th century. It primarily portrays the struggles in the wilderness and the removal of rights from the actual occupiers of the frontiers.
Over the years, we have seen the production of many Westerns, but the Wagon Train stands out. The series portrayed all that the genre stands for, allowing its viewers to have a firsthand experience of the journey through the Wild West.
The series, which ran for eight seasons, kept viewers on the edge of their seats for its entire duration. Its excellent cast played a significant role in how well the people accepted the series.
Hence, let’s face the question.
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Wagon Train Cast, Where Are They Now?
The Western aired decades ago, so it wasn’t surprising that many regular cast members are now dead. Some died decades ago, and others died a few years back.
The show had more guest appearances than regular casts, and many of them weren’t young when they started in the Wagon Train. Two regular cast members are alive out of the eight on the show. They were Michael Burns, a published author who was a boy when he joined the show as a guest, and 88 years old Robert Fuller, who is now a horse Rancher.
What Was The Wagon Train About?
The American Western ran between 1957 and 1965. It aired first on the NBC (1957-1962) TV network, and later on, they moved it to ABC (1962-1965). The idea for the series came from the film Wagon Master by John Ford.
The production went all out for the series, bringing in some of the most famous acting talents. Ward Bond was the main character until he passed.
Every episode in the series showed a different story that involved the main characters and how they navigated the train from Missouri through to Sacramento. Each episode showed a new challenge, including the struggles that the main characters had to overcome.
Every episode featured a guest character on the Wagon Train. The guest appearances were many times by popular icons during the time. Some of the stars on the Wagon Train include Ronald Reagan, Ernest Borgnine, Lee Marvin, Joseph Cotten, Bette David, and Jane Wyman.
The Regular Cast
Although there were more guest characters than regular characters on the show, the regular cast members did so well in their roles that the viewers couldn’t get enough of them. Here are the eight regular cast members on the Wagon Train:
Ward Bond: Ward Bond played Major Seth Adams on the Wagon Train. He guided the train and its members on an infinite journey across the West.
Ward Bond was already well-known in the film industry when they brought him on the Wagon train set. He was on the show for four seasons, starring in 134 episodes before he died of a heart attack at 57.
Moreover, Ward Bond starred in some of the greatest movies of all time. These films include The Searchers, The Maltese Falcon, The Grapes of Wrath, Gentleman Jim, The Mortal Storm, Gone with the wind, and many more. Ward Bond also featured in about 26 John Ford films before he died.
Robert Horton: Horton was Scout Flint McCullough in the Wagon Train. He was the crowd favorite in the show and was on the Wagon Train for five seasons.
Horton had a lousy relationship with Ward Bond on the set of Wagon Train. The friction between the two wasn’t a secret because Bond didn’t try to hide it. He kept spreading rumors about Horton, especially about his sexuality.
People have said that the rumors may have come from Robert being deeply involved in musicals. No one knows for sure the reason for all the bad blood between them.
Horton had been in three different marriages before he died. He was also good friends with James Drury from The Virginian series and Robert Fuller (who replaced him on the Wagon Train after he left). Horton died in 2016 at age 91. He requested that no one make a fuss about his burial, so there was no funeral.
Robert Fuller: Robert Fuller played Scout Cooper Smith in the Wagon Train. The character replaced Robert Horton after he left the show. He was best known for his role as Jess Harper in Laramie.
Fuller was a student under the guidance of Richard Boone for a while. He had an interest not just in acting but also in acting and even danced with Marilyn Monroe. Fuller is currently 88 and still loved by many fans of Westerns.
Terry Wilson: Terry Wilson played Bill Hawks in the Wagon Train in 267 episodes. He was one of the two people who appeared in all eight seasons of the show.
Terry Wilson served in World War II, was a football star and a rodeo rider. He worked with his close friend and co-star Frank McGrath in the rodeo circuit before pursuing an acting career.
The network brought Terry on the Wagon Train because Ward Bond requested that he and FrankMcGrath join the series. It was Terry Wilson who told John Wayne about Ward’s death. They both wept on the phone for a long time after he shared the news. Terry died at 75, leaving behind his wife and three kids.
Frank McGrath: Frank McGrath played the funny character Charlie Wooster who was the train’s Cook. He was on all the seasons of the Wagon Train.
McGrath was a rodeo performer. He was known for always picking fights that he usually loses. He appeared in John Wayne’s movies like She Wore a Yellow Ribbon and Fort Apache. Frank died at 64, two years after Wagon Train ended.
John McIntire: McIntire was brought to the show to replace Ward Bond after he passed. Ward Bond’s shoe was a huge one to fill and walk in, but McIntire owned the role. He played Christopher Hale, the new person in charge of the wagon train.
McIntire got a lot of attention as Christopher Hale, so much attention that they brought him to replace Charles Bickford in The Virginian after he died suddenly.
McIntire and Actress Jeanette Nolan tied the knot in 1935 and remained married until McIntire passed away 56 years later. The couple starred in several Westerns together, usually as a couple. Jeanette died seven years after her husband.
Denny Miller: Denny Miller played Duke Shannon on the show. He appeared in 107 episodes. Denny is popularly known as the blonde Tarzan, as he was the first.
He spent almost 50 years of his life acting. Denny died at the age of 80.
Michael Burns: Michael Burns wasn’t originally part of the regular cast. He had appeared five times before he joined the recurring cast, playing five different characters. Burns appeared in 51 episodes.
After a while, he decided to pursue academics. He got his Ph.D. at Yale University in 1977. He spent years teaching and retired to move to Kentucky with his wife. They both raise horses now.
What You Should Know About The Wagon Train Series
Although the series ended decades ago, here are some things you should know about the Wagon Train:
The inspiration for Star Trek came from the show. When Gene Roddenberry shared his proposal for Star Trek, the successful science-fiction series, for the first time, he called it “Wagon Train to the Stars.”
The name seemed appropriate because the shows had a couple of things in common. For example, the main characters were on an infinite journey, meeting and interacting with different characters throughout the trip. Also, Leonard Nimoy appearing in both shows made the title even more appropriate.
Ward Bond requested to add his two friends to the cast. Bond made it known to the network that he wanted his friends on the show. The reason involves Bond’s desire to have experienced stuntmen in the scene for Wagon Train to become a safe place to work. He did this before signing his contract with the production.
The actors were Frank McGrath and Terry Wilson, and Ward had met them on another Western set, forming a lasting friendship. Back then, they were long-time stuntmen under John Ford Stock Company, experienced in performing in films and television. Bond assisted McGrath, teaching him to improve his skills and remember his lines. Wilson had been in John Wayne’s films as a stuntman before joining the Wagon Train.
McGrath and Wilson were both on the show until the final seasons. They were the only regular cast members to have stayed that long on the show.
The network changed the show’s theme song three times: The first theme song had no lyrics. The network didn’t think it was good enough for the show, so they changed it.
They introduced the second theme song by Jack Brooks and Sammy Fain titled “Roll Along-Wagon Train” in the second season. Johnny O’Neill performed it. However, this theme song didn’t last either.
The final theme song was “Wagons Ho” by Jerome Moross. Most fans can sing along to this song, and they used it from the third to the last season of Wagon Train.
Conclusion
The cast of the Wagon Train made an impression in the hearts of many viewers. The fact that there were just eight regular cast members didn’t affect the show, including how the viewers saw the show in the slightest. The cast members, dead or alive, would hardly be forgotten.
They gave fans something to talk about and delivered their roles as expected. The only thing we can offer them now is to keep their memory alive in appreciation of how much they’ve left an impact through their roles in Wagon Train.
Did you enjoy reading about the cast of Wagon Train? If you are looking for other great western books, check out these authors.
Ruth Swarthout
Thank you for all the great information Wagon Train is on in my area and I enjoy watching the shows.
Regina Ellison
I have a renewed love for the old tv westerns. These are family shows that have a story from old times but you can relate to this today. Look forward to seeing as much of the old westerns as possible because the shows are on many stations during the day! Thank you
Robert Wright
I have been watching Wagon Train reruns for years. Gunsmoke also.
Janetcannon
I now watch the reruns everyday. Iu@es to watch the original shows along time ago. I miss though kind of shows now.
Christine
Good clean American television. Our children now days miss so much of what America is all about with all the trash they watch today in 2023. So glad we have the reruns to bring us back to a more gentler america. We never know 2hay we miss until it’s gone. Long live the great America we all once knew.
Mary scott
We love watching wagon train
Celestine Lewis
I still look at wagon train I look at all the old westerns, in fact it is November1,2022 I am looking at wagon train now look at it everyday
Vernice Ward
Vernice Ward
June 29, 2022
I love the show Wagon Train. I watched it as a young child, and I watch it now. I try not to miss an episode.
Robin Johnson
I watch it every day. My father recently passed away and I talked to him every day and it was pretty much the same thing we talked westerns. He was an avid John Wayne fan and instilled in me the love for all westerns. We watched so many of these westerns when I was a child and they are precious memories.
Dorie Roselle
I Love this show..
Sue Bell Lynch
Is this MY Robin Johnson?
Celestine Lewis
I am still looking at wagon train everyday, I fantasize of living in the old west I am 78 years old, I did not know of wagon train untill I retired in 2010 now that is my go to in reruns an I all so look at the re runs when they come back repeating them , they are a joy
Cheri Newell
I love Wagon Train. I watch several episodes every day. I love to hear about the actors and the show. Thank you for putting this information out there so we know more about the show.
Barb Walters
I love the show Wagon Train. I cried n laughed when watching the shows. They are all near n dear to my heart. Its if I was there with them n lived there for a short time! I feel so connected to all of them. Best shows ever!!!!!
Deborah Ann Brown
Watching an episode as I’m writing this. I remember watching it with my Dad when I was a little girl. I enjoyed it then and especially enjoy it now. Every episode is good. Back when TV shows had a plot and substance. Long Live Wagon Train !!!
Elizabeth Haire
So cool to read “whatever happened to” in your information.
Wagon Train is currently available in this area (north central Florida) and yesterday I watched the episode with George Gobel as Seth Adams’ cousin “twice removed”. It is hilarious! I have also enjoyed the two I’ve seen with Bette Davis, the early-on one in which John McIntyre (later Chris Hale) played a minister. The John Wilbot Story gave me shivers as a possibility of John Wilkes Booth.
I remember my parents watching this on TV and how I was rarely permitted to stay up and watch with them.
Thanks! For sharing the cast update.
Bernadette Patterson
I just love this show,I used to watch westerns with my dad many years ago an he just recently passed an to be able to watch them again is like watching my childhood over again with my dad.
Dorothy Kosich
Lone Writer, I am in the process of writing a biography of Terry Wilson’s life and career. Frank McGrath and Terry Wilson weren’t actors when Ward Bond insisted upon adding his two friends to Wagon Train. They were both long-time John Ford Stock Company stuntmen and had worked as stunt performers in films and television for numerous other directors. Ward had not met both of them on a western set as you stated. Frankie and Terry first met while working as stunt performers on “Devil’s Doorway” in 1950. The film starred Robert Taylor and was directed by Anthony Mann. Frankie was already a best friend of Ward Bond whom he had regularly worked with on John Ford movies. Terry’s first John Ford film was RIO GRANDE. Ward wasn’t in that movie. Bond said he hired Frankie and Terry because he wanted experienced stuntmen who would ensure that Wagon Train was a safe place to work. Frankie had retired from stuntwork before then because of crippling arthritis. All three men were best friends on and off screen.
Joyce Fishman
My man friend loves the great tv westerns and Wagon Train is at top of the list. I was never a fan of westerns because I didn’t give them a chance. The writers and the actors are superb. I’m writing my first youth novel and I’m praying that these writers inspire me!
Tomaso Mannina
What about Baranby?, he was very young when he stared in Wagon Train.
P ford
Just watched episode 29 of season 3… I know I’ve seen it before but most likely years ago … this is the only one I’ve ever saw that didn’t end right and it should be fixed even if it is more than 50 years later….all through the show the one very protestant man seems to be the one that committed the murder but the accused confessed only when the child was badgered by the lawyer….. wrong wrong wrong… but I guess one in as many episodes as there were ain’t too bad…. I love the show still today as much as years ago
Mary Ellison
I love Wagon Train and especially the film chemistry between and Ward Bond, the crusty, warm-hearted wagon master and Robert Horton, the dashing, fun-loving scout loved by the ladies. Unfortunately these fine actors didn’t get along. From what I’ve read, Bond criticized Horton because of his interest in doing live theater and the fact that he wore heavy make up. (Set artists used it to cover up his many freckles.) Bond pointed to these things to spread the rumor that Horton was gay. Or perhaps it was due to a tinge of jealousy. Bond regarded himself as the star of the show. He had been the star of the movie, after all. Yet Horton’s rugged good looks prompted women across the globe to send him a chuck wagon chuck full of adoring fan mail. Further, Bond didn’t feel Horton was properly invested in the production. It was no secret that Horton couldn’t wait to get of out his 5-year contract. He didn’t wish to be typecast as a cowboy actor. Sadly, that’s exactly what happened. For more about Robert Horton, read Aileen Elliott’s fine biography of him.
Mark Sternberg
Thanks for the Wagon Train article. Loved the show as a kid and now as a 70 year old.
Peggy Jean Austin
I watch wagon train every day. There are two or three episodes every day. I really liked the black and white episodes best. Ward bond was my favorite. Robert horton and Wilson. And McGrath were great
My favorite western show..
PATRICIA DAVIS
I LOVE THE WAGON TRAIN SHOW, I TO WATCHED IT WITH MY FAMILY AS A YOUNG GIRL. AND WATCH IT AS MUCH AS I CAN NOW AT THE AGE OF 81 I LIKED ALL THE CHARACTORS THAT PLAYED THEIR PARTS ON THE SHOW.. I TO LIKED TO HEAR WHAT BECAME OF ALL OF THEM. GREAT ACTORS!
Bruce Wells
I am a childhood fan from the early 1950s and have watched reruns (on and off) ever since. Ward Bond has always struck me as my Grandfather’s doppelgänger and so I especially like him but the entire cast from beginning to end were superb. One of my all time favorite shows. Especially love the thematic artistry of focusing each episode on a notable character.
Sue Lynch
I’m excited to have scored 100%. My daddy would have been proud!
I have always loved westerns, mainly because my daddy loved them, and I watched them with him. As a 70 year old woman, I still enjoy watching them. My husband and I watch reruns whenever we can on the Western Channel and on INSP – Wagon Train, Bonanza, GUNSMOKE, High Chaparral and others.
Another favorite was Cheyenne, and we have a fun story in our family about Clint Walker. He was the featured star at the Heart of Texas Fair in Waco about 25 miles from us (Troy, Texas).
My daddy had an appointment in Waco, and stopped at a bar for a drink after. He soon realized he was sitting next to Clint Walker. When he came home and told us about their conversation, we thought he was kidding us, but it didn’t take him long to convince us he was telling the truth. My sister and I thought that was cooler than cool!!
This was in the early 60s.
Sue Lynch
suereedlynch@gmail.com
https://www.westernwriting.com/quiz/
Sent from my iPad
NICK KING
WATCH WAGON TRAIN EVERY DAY,IT AND GUN SMOKE ARE MY FAVORITE SHOWS OF ALL TIME. I WISH THEY WOULD HAVE SHOWS LIKE THESE TODAY.KIDS DON’T KNOW WHAT THEY MISSED.
Fred E Chase
As a young man in my early twenties, I knew John McEntire and his wife, Jennette Nolan. They owned a ranch in Northwest Montana in the area known as the Yaak. The nearest towns are Eureka, Libby and Troy, MT. My dad had a ranch above Troy and was also friends with John and Jennette. In later years, he would visit them at their ranch and he would cut their hay for them.
John was a great guy and loved to talk to people he would meet in stores and on the street. He always had time to stop and talk. He usually wore a plaid Pendleton or similar shirt. Jennette was more reserved and was always dressed to the nines when they went into town.
She spent a lot of time waiting for John to finish the conversation with someone he had run into while they were shopping. She must have had a lot of patience. Back then in the 1960s and early 1970s, I didn’t have time to watch television very much, so I knew John and Jennette more as local aquaintenses than actors. Now that I have the time, I’ve gotten to know both of them for their great acting talent. I watch Wagon Train regularly and many other shows they appeared in. I moved away to Alaska in the early 1970s and by the time I returned to Montana in the 1990s, they had both passed away. I regret that I didn’t realize what important actors they were when I was young. There’s a thousand questions I would have liked to have asked both of them. It was a privilege to have known both of them. John and Jennette are both buried along with their son Tim McEntire at the Eureka, Montana cemetery not too far from their ranch in the Yaak.
Linda Dietrich
I love wagon train the cast works really well together. I also love raw hide too with Clint Eastwood.
mah gol
wagon Train is one of the best western series. I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately I can’t find the complete series. I hope someone will post it.
Ed
Still watching wagon train. I’m 70 now and first watched it with grandpas when I was 5. Now my kids watching it my grandkids watch it and now proud to say my great grandkids watching it now!!!! Glad they luv grandpa. Ed show and keep carrying it on forever!!!!