The Rifleman: Hidden Stories and Surprising Facts Behind a Classic Western

Fun Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

• Modern hairstyles and wardrobe: Despite the 1880s setting, many cast members sported 1950s–60s haircuts and clothing styles, creating an unmistakable mixture of eras.

• Baby casting twist: The baby girl “Fancy” in “The Baby Sitter” was played by Robert Anacher, a male infant.

• Unique age gaps: In one episode, Buddy Hackett played the father of a character portrayed by Christopher Dark—who was actually older than Hackett in real life.

Final Years of the Cast

Chuck Connors, an accomplished athlete with careers in both the MLB and the NBA, was a heavy smoker throughout his life and died from lung cancer in 1992. His gravestone honors his sports legacy with the logos of the Celtics, Cubs, and Dodgers.

Johnny Crawford continued acting and performing music for many years, cherishing the memories and mentorship he received during his time on The Rifleman.