Gunsmoke’s Longevity Icon: Newly O’Brien’s Lasting Legacy as the Sole Survivor

The legendary CBS Western “Gunsmoke” concluded its remarkable run in 1975, leaving behind a legacy that endures even as most of its cherished cast members have since passed away. Yet, Buck Taylor remains a vibrant part of the entertainment world. Now in his late 80s, Taylor continues to embrace his passion for acting with unwavering enthusiasm. 

Although Buck Taylor joined “Gunsmoke” over ten years after it initially premiered in 1955, debuting on the show in 1967, he became a steadfast figure up until the series wrapped up. Despite not being among the main stars, Taylor held no grudges, revealing during a CBS “Star Weekend” in 1970 that he welcomed his lower profile. “I’m not over-exposed, which is fine with me. That gives me a chance at another good series later,” he shared with the press (as reported by MeTV). Indeed, Taylor’s foresight proved accurate; his post-“Gunsmoke” career flourished as he appeared in numerous Westerns including “Tombstone,” “Dallas,” “Cowboys & Aliens,” and notably, “Yellowstone,” where he portrayed Emmett Walsh throughout its five-season arc. 

Devoted to the cowboy genre, Buck Taylor once elaborated on his affinity for this iconic role during a conversation with David Morris in 2015. “The cowboy is salt of the earth. … It’s the epitome of what I think Americans dream of being,” Taylor explained. “I think all of us have that cowboy image, and the image is someone who has integrity, soft-spoken, mean what they say, and don’t have to roar like lions and brag and all that kind of stuff.” Taylor is passionately committed to keeping the spirit of the cowboy alive in cinema. 

Even as he nears the age of 90, Taylor remains remarkably active. He currently has four films in progress, keeping him engaged and inspiring his audience. On Facebook, he frequently reconnects with fans by sharing nostalgic “Gunsmoke” clips, holding personalized conversations, and even offering autographs alongside his artistic creations. 

Beyond the silver screen, Taylor extends his engagement to live events such as the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. In 2023, he participated with his artwork in hand, a tradition dating back to the early ’90s. Speaking to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Taylor shared his affection for the event stating, “There’s good people here,” underscoring why it remains a highlight of his year. 

Speaking of those artworks, for “Gunsmoke” fans who weren’t aware, Buck is a painter. In his interview with David Morris, he explained that his goal when making art was to highlight his own heritage and pass down history. “Our history is passed down from one generation to another … either done word of mouth, or it’s done through paintings or it’s done through books, or now it’s done through movies, and we can choose to keep it or lose it, and I think I want to keep it,” he said. Buck became emotional while explaining that his art was also a way to honor not just his own story as a Western performer, but his father’s too. In case you didn’t know, Buck has a famous parent: His father, Dub Taylor, was a Western character actor. Of creating things that would keep their legacy alive, Buck told Morris, “That means a lot to me.” Well, between his films, TV shows, and artwork, there’s no question Buck has made his mark on the genre he loves best.