Celebrity Info
Buck Taylor has certainly made a lasting mark in the world of television, especially within the Western genre. As a seasoned character actor, Buck Taylor is perhaps most recognized for his role as Newly O’Brien on the iconic and long-running series “Gunsmoke.” Growing up in Hollywood, Buck Taylor was immersed in the entertainment industry from an early age—after all, he’s the son of actor Dub Taylor, so being around film sets and fellow performers came naturally to him. Buck Taylor pursued a formal education in Theater at the University of Southern California, then took a detour to serve two years in the U.S. Navy before fully diving into acting.
In the early to mid-1960s, Buck Taylor became a familiar face on TV screens, often appearing in Westerns. His career kicked off with a debut on “The Rebel,” followed by roles on shows like “Stoney Burke” and the military drama “12 O’Clock High.” But Buck Taylor didn’t limit himself to one genre—he also appeared in multiple episodes of the school-centered drama “Mr. Novak” and the gritty war series “Combat!”
Things really started to take off for Buck Taylor when he landed a regular spot on the Western “The Monroes.” That momentum led to his big break: joining the cast of “Gunsmoke,” the legendary show starring James Arness. As Newly O’Brien, Buck Taylor brought a youthful energy to the series, becoming a fan favorite throughout the late ‘60s and ‘70s. Buck Taylor remained with the show until it concluded in 1975, cementing his place in Western TV history.
Even after saying goodbye to Dodge City, Buck Taylor stayed busy. In the 1980s, he returned to the world of Westerns through TV movies, including the nostalgic “Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge.” He also appeared in lower-budget action films such as “Big Bad John,” showing his versatility beyond the saddle. Buck Taylor even stepped into the world of primetime soaps, taking on a recurring role on the hit series “Dallas.” And as the Western genre evolved, Buck Taylor kept pace—making appearances in newer takes on the classic frontier story, like the 1999 film “Wild Wild West,” directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and starring Will Smith. Through it all, Buck Taylor has remained a steady and respected presence in American television.
When it comes to Buck Taylor’s filmography, one standout in terms of acclaim is Screen Door Jesus from 2003, which happens to be his highest-rated movie. On the flip side, a film that didn’t receive quite as much praise is Trading Paint, released in 2018, marking it as Buck Taylor’s lowest-rated movie to date.
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