With a special emphasis on the Western genre, A WORD ON WESTERNS is a podcast devoted to preserving and documenting the rich history of film, television, and related media. Hosted by television veteran Rob Word—joined by his son, producer and entertainer RJ Word—this award-winning interview series brings you in-depth conversations with the filmmakers, performers, and creative minds who shaped some of our most cherished screen classics. Many of these engaging discussions originate from the legendary Autry Museum in Los Angeles, California, offering authentic insights and firsthand stories that continue to keep the spirit of the West alive.
102-Year-Old Nehemiah Persoff (1919-2022) WORD ON WESTERNS Podcast Exclusive!
Hollywood legends Wayne, Bogart, Brando, Poitier and more taught Nehemiah Persoff about the movie business. Nicky joins Rob and RJ Word for an exclusive Zoom interview recorded November 2021, shortly before the celebrated actor died at the age of 102. Coming from the stage and the Actor’s Studio, Nehemiah, was a fast learner and appeared in 100s of film and TV roles. We feel so fortunate to have done a zoom interview with him. Nehemiah's memories of working with John Wayne in THE COMANCHEROS on acclaimed director Michael Curtiz’ last film are fascinating. It was a thrill to have him share so many stories of his career for his fans to enjoy on our weekly series of conversations with filmmakers.
Born in Jerusalem, Nehemiah Persoff (Aug 2, 1919-April 5, 2022) came to America at the age of 10. He was one of the first to join the celebrated Actor’s Studio where he worked with Elia Kazan and met Marlon Brando, later appearing with “Bud” in Kazan’s celebrated ON THE WATERFRONT. Persoff’s first western feature was Delmar Daves’ THE BADLANDERS with Alan Ladd. The actors were quite different from those he had worked with in New York. On Humphrey Bogart’s last movie, THE HARDER THEY FALL, Nicky learned a big lesson in acting. His revealing memories of working with John Wayne as the heavy in THE COMANCHEROS caused him to rethink his approach to his interpretation of the villain. When Edward G. Robinson bailed on Billy Wilder in a key role in the now classic SOME LIKE IT HOT, Nicky replaced him and tells of the support he got from Wilder and the atmosphere on the set which made Persoff furious. Nehemiah was loaded with talent and versatility. His career was amazing; his life filled with love and adventure. Thanks to his cousin, author Jim Rosin, for helping arrange the interview. Nicky may have only been 5'7" tall but he was a GIANT on screen, leaving many powerful performances for generations to savor for years to come. May he Rest in Peace.
Nicky was also a celebrated Plein Air artist and published his autobiography, “The Many Faces of Nehemiah,” in 2021. It is available through Amazon here: https://www.shorturl.at/bftPW
Actor Chris Mulkey remembers BROKEN TRAIL, THE LONG RIDERS & TIMERIDER!
Mulkey was warned by BROKEN TRAIL’S director Walter Hill to be very very careful not to hurt Robert Duvall in the fight scene. Chris joined Rob Word to share the experience and reveal who got hurt in this exclusive interview for A WORD ON WESTERNS podcast.
BROKEN TRAIL was the third time Chris had worked for Hill and the first with Oscar winning actor Duvall in AMC’s very successful 2-part western. Not to worry, said Mulkey, who ended up getting clipped by Duvall in the climatic skirmish. The 2006 western turned into a multi-award-winning program that helped launch AMC into airing more original programs. Mulkey first worked for director Hill in the classic tale of the James and Younger gang, THE LONG RIDERS in 1980 and later in Hill’s monster hit, 48 HOURS.
The veteran actor’s long resume includes nearly 300 films and TV shows, including a stunning portrayal in season two of JUSTIFIED and as an outlaw with L.Q. Jones and Peter Coyote in the cult time travel classic, TIMERIDER: THE ADVENTURES OF LYLE SWANN. Chris averages 6 films a year! When he’s not in front of the camera performing, he’s on stage traveling, singing, and writing songs while fronting the stellar rock band, Chris Mulkey & Deluxe, formerly the house band at the House of Blues. Find out more about this versatile actor and what it’s like being an in-demand performer.
With 635 episodes over 20 seasons, Gunsmoke set television’s high-water mark for dramatic series. Season-one guest Brett Halsey, final-season tough-guy Martin Kove, and writer-producer Jim Byrnes reveal how scripts like Byrnes’s lone-wolf classic “Lobo” kept Dodge City fresh. They swap candid memories of on-set hazards, last-minute rewrites, and what it took to sell a story to TV’s longest-running Western. Versatile stars Jan Shepard and Jacqueline Scott spotlight the show’s standout roles for women, from Shepard’s riveting drunk-cell scene in “Friend” to Scott’s fan-favorite turns in “Abelia” and “Kitty Cornered.” Together they pull back the curtain on lightning-fast rehearsals, hard-charging directors, and a set where authenticity always came first. Press play, enjoy the ride, and follow A Word on Westerns for more untold stories from the frontier of classic TV.
Barry Corbin, the iconic Texan character actor who first ambled onto the big screen as Uncle Bob in Urban Cowboy (1980), has since played more than 300 roles—ranging from Maurice Minnifield, the philosophical ex-astronaut of Northern Exposure (earning two Emmy nominations), to crusty ranch hand Ross welcoming Jimmy to the 6666 on Yellowstone. In this illuminating visit with Rob and RJ Word—recorded inside Corbin’s Fort Worth “man-cave,” beneath trophy longhorns and movie memorabilia—the actor recalls swapping guitar licks with John Travolta on the Urban Cowboy set, jousting verbally with Clint Eastwood in Honky Tonk Man (1982), and watching director Taylor Sheridan mine real ranch life for on-screen grit. Corbin’s authenticity runs deep: before Hollywood called, he rodeoed, penned one-acts, and helped campaign for his father, Kilmer B. Corbin, the youngest state senator in Texas history. Listen in and discover why every modern Western still reaches for Barry Corbin’s brand of authenticity.
Gregory Harrison—TV favorite remembered for Dr. “Gonzo” Gates on Trapper John, M.D. and pioneer Levi Zendt in the epic miniseries Centennial—saddles up with Rob and RJ Word to talk Westerns, remakes, and riding alongside legends. In 1988, he acquired the rights to Red River, produced a television remake, and cast James Arness—fresh out of retirement—as Thomas Dunson, with Bruce Boxleitner by his side. Harrison packed the film with cameo salutes to classic TV cowboys, from Guy Madison and Ty Hardin to John Lupton, creating what felt like a living Western hall of fame. Born in Avalon on California’s Catalina Island, Harrison shares a heartfelt story of outfitting John Wayne and his Hollywood pals in yachting gear during summer stopovers—a teenage encounter that ignited his lifelong love of the Duke. Listen in, and if you enjoy the conversation, follow and share A Word on Westerns with fellow lovers of Western entertainment!
Golden Globe–winning actress Karen Sharpe—famed for The High and the Mighty and TV’s Johnny Ringo—joins Rob and RJ Word on A Word on Westerns for a heartfelt trip down memory lane. She explains how John Wayne took her under his wing after The High and the Mighty and—at her urging—released her from his film contract so she could saddle up for the booming world of television. That leap landed her on dusty sets from Gunsmoke to Rawhide, The Range Rider, Trackdown, and The Wild Wild West, where she sparred with James Arness, Clint Eastwood, Eric Fleming, and a young Burt Reynolds. She laughs about Eastwood teasing her during a Rawhide scene and reveals how starring in Aaron Spelling’s first Western series, Johnny Ringo, shaped her career. The conversation also touches on her Golden Globe win, her early jungle-girl days, and her love story with director Stanley Kramer. Tune in, and if you enjoy the conversation, follow and share A Word on Westerns with fellow lovers of cinema history.
Edward Asner: Emmy-winning star of Lou Grant and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, appears on this episode of A Word on Westerns. Hosts Rob and RJ Word dig into Asner’s rich career—from his iconic role as Lou Grant in TV journalism to his adventures in the American West. Asner shares warm recollections of playing sly rancher Bart Jason opposite John Wayne in Howard Hawks’s classic El Dorado (1966) and tales from the set with Robert Mitchum and actress Jacqueline Scott. He even recounts two different turns on Gunsmoke (as Sgt. Wilks in 1964’s “Hung High” and drifter Redmond in 1966’s “The Whispering Tree”), highlighting his dramatic range. The conversation also touches on Asner’s many TV appearances—Route 66, The Virginian , and even a turn on The Fugitive —and his diverse film roles, from Westerns like The Skin Game (1971) to Pixar animation (Up, as Carl Fredricksen) . Along the way, Rob and RJ reflect on how Norman Lear and company created Lou Grant and the character’s legacy as a gruff-but-goldenhearted boss, a role that earned Asner a record-breaking seven Emmys.
Will Hutchins (1930–2025)—the lanky Angeleno who ambled onto ABC screens as gentle‑souled law‑student‑turned‑drifter Tom “Sugarfoot” Brewster—joins host Rob Word and producer/co‑host RJ Word in a 2021 Zoom sit‑down that now feels like a fond farewell. Hutchins recalls how Warner Bros. spun Sugarfoot out of Clint Walker’s smash hit Cheyenne, easing Walker’s load of thirty‑nine hour‑long episodes a year with a rotating‑slot companion series. He delights in writer‑director Montgomery Pittman’s wild “Canary Kid” trilogy, where he played both straight‑arrow Brewster and his mustachioed outlaw twin. Towering memories follow: sparring with James Arness in Gunsmoke’s 1963 gem “Blind Man’s Bluff,” where Ted Post carved tension to the bone; leaping from TV backlots to William Wellman’s World War I adventure Lafayette Escadrille (1958); slogging through jungle mud and live ammo for Sam Fuller’s rugged war epic Merrill’s Marauders (1962); and embracing desert existentialism in Monte Hellman’s cult classic The Shooting (1966) opposite a young Jack Nicholson. Hutchins even appears—cheekily bullet‑proof—in Clint Eastwood’s Magnum Force (1973). The conversation crescendos at his 2002 Golden Boot Award, where fellow Warner cowboy Clint Walker calmed his stage jitters poolside. Recorded before his passing, this episode now stands as a warm campfire send‑off to television’s gentlest cowboy—proof that a dash of sarsaparilla humor and an Arctic‑blonde mop can still make the frontier feel friendly.
Russ Tamblyn and Ruta Lee reunite with host Rob Word and co-host RJ Word for a spirited look back at Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and the Golden Age of Hollywood. From barn-raising dance tales to gun-slinging stories with Glenn Ford, the duo trades memories that sparkle with studio-lot magic. Hear how a shovel dance saved a Western, why Michael Kidd’s choreography still dazzles, and what makes on-set camaraderie endure. This episode has nostalgia, laughter, and pure movie lore in one brisk ride. Tune in now and saddle up for timeless Hollywood legends, Russ and Ruta!
Tommy Cook, the irrepressible kid who first saddled up as “Little Beaver” in Republic’s 1940 serial The Adventures of Red Ryder, swings by A Word on Westerns to relive a Hollywood journey spanning radio days, serial cliffhangers, and big-screen showdowns. Joining host Rob Word and producer/co-host RJ Word, Tommy reveals how directors William Witney and John English guided him through action-packed stunts and shares fond memories of sidekicks like Don “Red” Barry. Tune in now!
Ryan O’Neal: From Peyton Place to Wild Rovers
Academy Award nominee Ryan O’Neal, star of classics like Love Story, Paper Moon, and Barry Lyndon, strides into A Word on Westerns with tales of his big-screen adventures and a lifelong passion for film history. Joining host Rob Word and producer/co-host RJ Word, O’Neal recalls his early days as a budding actor on The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, how boxing with a young Clint Eastwood nearly materialized, and his unlikely kinship with character actor Henry Brandon—best known as Chief Scar in The Searchers—who became a family friend and a key influence on Ryan’s Hollywood dreams.
He also takes listeners behind the scenes of Blake Edwards’ Wild Rovers (1971), where he co-starred with screen legend William Holden. Along the way, O’Neal reveals never-before-heard anecdotes about Holden’s uproarious sense of humor, including the jaw-dropping fate of the actor’s Stalag 17 Oscar—supposedly tossed into the Bay of Naples. From his father’s work on the Randolph Scott Western Return of the Bad Men to O’Neal’s own reflections on stardom, this candid conversation roams from comedic tangles with Barbra Streisand to the rough-and-tumble sets of the Western heyday.
Veteran character actor Pepe Serna, celebrated for his roles in Scarface and The Jerk, joins host Rob Word and producer/co-host RJ Word to reflect on a multifaceted career that has taken him from comedic hits to iconic Westerns. Raised in Texas and starting out in improv troupes, Serna shares how his early love of storytelling led him to memorable frontier roles and collaborations with legends like Henry Hathaway, Gregory Peck, and Lawrence Kasdan.
Between surviving Hathaway’s on-set intensity in Shoot Out, portraying a quick-witted cowboy in Silverado, and contributing to powerful projects like Ballad of Gregorio Cortez and Conagher, Serna offers a candid view of the grit and camaraderie behind each Western. He also touches on the enduring importance of self-expression—both in his motivational outreach and his colorful artwork. Whether you know him best as a scene-stealer in modern classics or as a versatile player in the Old West, don’t miss this spirited conversation with an actor whose range and resilience mirror the frontier itself.
On this episode of A Word on Westerns, host Rob Word and producer/co-host RJ Word welcome Michael Beck, best known for his cool, stoic performance in Walter Hill’s cult classic The Warriors. Yet before and after crossing bats with the “Baseball Furies,” Beck rode west, exploring iconic tales of rugged heroes and flawed legends.
From Triumphs of a Man Called Horse, where he played the son of Richard Harris’s legendary character, to portraying Jim Bowie opposite Sam Elliott’s Sam Houston in Gone to Texas, Beck sheds light on stepping into the boots of real-life American heroes. He recalls enduring tough on-location shoots in Mexico and Texas, contending with the relentless heat, and capturing the essence of frontier figures who are both epic and deeply human.
Whether you know him from the electrifying streets of The Warriors or simply love delving into the thrills and tribulations of western cinema, saddle up for an engaging conversation that spans Michael Beck’s early stage experiences, the classic TV westerns he grew up on, and the excitement of bringing history’s boldest legends to life.
On this special A Word on Westerns compilation, host Rob Word and producer/co-host RJ Word examine Sam Peckinpah’s masterpiece, The Wild Bunch, a Western that redefined on-screen violence, through five voices who survived its famously tumultuous shoot. Producer/assistant director Howard Kazanjian (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Return of the Jedi) recounts corralling Peckinpah’s temper and fending off mass firings, while stuntman Gary Combs recalls being fired—then rehired—on the very same project. Costume designer-turned-producer Gordon Dawson describes frantic on-set scrambles and last-minute improvisations, and the late, great Bo Hopkins and LQ Jones share behind-the-scenes tales of squib-laden chaos, epic gunfights, and Sam’s restless search for inspiration.
From Mexico’s sweltering backlots to the slow-motion carnage that forever changed Hollywood’s depiction of brutality, these firsthand accounts reveal Peckinpah’s tempestuous methods and the artistry that made The Wild Bunch a landmark Western—altering how cinema portrays loyalty, violence, and a vanishing frontier.
On this episode of A Word on Westerns, host Rob Word and producer/co-host RJ Word welcome Irish-born actress Audrey Dalton, whose wide-ranging career brought her to Hollywood’s golden era—and right into the heart of the Western genre. Known for her role in 1953’s Titanic (opposite Barbara Stanwyck and Clifton Webb), Audrey also appeared in a host of classic TV Westerns and frontier features that showcased both her elegance and her grit.
Audrey recalls filming Drumbeat in scenic Sedona, Arizona for star-producer Alan Ladd and director Delmer Daves, revealing how a then-rising Charles Bronson (credited for the first time under his new stage name) brought fierce intensity to the role of “Captain Jack.” She shares fond memories of working on Gunsmoke with Burt Reynolds, including the challenges of conquering her fear of horses for a fast-paced storyline. She also recounts guest turns on Wagon Train with Ward Bond, on The Big Valley with Barbara Stanwyck, and on The Wild Wild West wrangling live cheetahs—plus a brush with the legendary Boris Karloff.
From surviving runaway stagecoaches to juggling comedic bits of costuming and accent changes, Audrey’s experiences shine a loving spotlight on Hollywood’s high adventure of the 1950s and ’60s. Saddle up as she takes us from the soundstages of Paramount to the rugged backlots and desert vistas that transformed a Dublin girl into one of the genre’s favorite frontier ladies.
On this episode of A Word on Westerns, host Rob Word and producer/co-host RJ Word welcome the beloved Marion Ross, best known as the iconic Mrs. Cunningham on Happy Days. Yet long before she became America’s favorite sitcom mom, Marion spent her early days under contract at Paramount, landing roles on some of television’s most popular Westerns. She vividly recalls shooting The Lone Ranger with Clayton Moore—marveling at his lasting persona—and riding shotgun alongside a young Clint Eastwood in a runaway stagecoach on Rawhide.
Whether you know her as Mrs. C or simply love hearing behind-the-scenes Western stories, saddle up for an entertaining ride through Marion Ross’s Hollywood journey and discover a pioneer spirit that shone as brightly on dusty backlots as it did in a studio audience.
On this episode of A Word on Westerns, host Rob Word and producer-cohost RJ Word welcome character actor and film historian Jim Beaver, a familiar face from such hits as Deadwood, Justified, Supernatural, and The Boys.
While many viewers know him as prospector Ellsworth or demon-hunter Bobby Singer, Jim reveals his lifelong love of Western lore—a passion that would eventually bring him face-to-face with true Hollywood originals.
Jim shares the remarkable story of how he became the roommate of beloved John Ford–stock player Hank Worden (Old Mose from The Searchers). Their friendship, forged through letters while Jim was still in the Marines, blossomed into four years of living under the same roof. Along the way, Jim discovered Hank’s gentle spirit and gained priceless insights into the era of classic Western filmmaking. Jim also recalls his time with James Arness on two Gunsmoke reunion movies—an experience he initially feared had gone badly until a surprising second call. He explains how Deadwood changed his career, from navigating David Milch’s ever-evolving scripts to traipsing through the famously muddy streets of Melody Ranch. Plus, he opens up about his recurring roles in Longmire, Supernatural, and The Boys—all spawned by that pivotal turn in Deadwood.
Whether you’re drawn to behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories or simply intrigued by the mix of modern sci-fi and old-school Westerns, ride along with Jim Beaver as he salutes longtime heroes, reflects on acting breakthroughs, and pays homage to the genre’s enduring magic.
On this episode of A Word on Westerns, host Rob Word and producer/co-host RJ Word welcome actor-director Tim Matheson, whose career spans childhood stardom to Hollywood mainstay. In a lively conversation filled with behind-the-scenes revelations, Tim describes how he grew up on classic sets, beginning with his voice role in Jonny Quest and a guest spot on Leave It to Beaver, then moving on to regular appearances during the final seasons of The Virginian and Bonanza. Along the way, he forged a lifelong friendship with Kurt Russell while shooting one of television’s last big network Westerns, The Quest.
Tim recalls his days learning the ropes from Western icon Doug McClure on The Virginian and gaining invaluable comedic tips from Tim Conway and Don Knotts while working on Disney’s The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again. He also reflects on receiving an impromptu masterclass in on-camera authenticity from Henry Fonda, and witnessing Lucille Ball’s meticulous approach to physical comedy on the set of Yours, Mine and Ours. Later, on Magnum Force, Tim saw firsthand how Clint Eastwood favored a “fast and first-take” style of filmmaking—an approach that carried into Tim’s own directing career. Finally, he discusses bringing his mischievous wit to John Landis’ cult comedy Animal House, which remains a comedic benchmark to this day.
Whether you’re drawn to Westerns, vintage sitcoms, or timeless films, saddle up for a fascinating look at the craft of acting and directing as Tim Matheson recounts the lessons he learned from Hollywood’s best and brightest. Enjoy this entertaining ride with one of the industry’s most versatile talents.
On this episode of A Word on Westerns, host Rob Word and producer/co-host RJ Word sit down with trailblazing writer, director, and producer Walter Hill, whose influence stretches from gritty 1970s actioners to modern prestige television. Best known for cult classics like The Warriors and box-office hits like 48 Hrs., Hill has always kept one foot planted in frontier territory, whether helming The Long Riders or guiding AMC’s Emmy-winning miniseries Broken Trail.
In a lively conversation, Hill shares candid behind-the-scenes stories about working with maverick talents like Sam Peckinpah, John Ford, and Sam Fuller—and recalls how a surprise visit from Fuller inspired one of The Long Riders’ most memorable knife fights. He also reminisces about directing Robert Duvall in Geronimo and again in Broken Trail, offering an inside look at the occasionally contentious collaborations that led to award-winning results. From letting actors choose their hats (advice straight from Raoul Walsh) to explaining why The Warriors really is a modern-day Western, Hill delivers a masterclass on filmmaking’s past, present, and future.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of his action-packed style or simply curious about how a big-screen storyteller wrangles stars, budgets, and strong personalities, join us for an unforgettable ride with one of Hollywood’s most distinctive voices in the Western genre—and beyond.
Four-time Emmy winner Michael Learned drops by A Word on Westerns to share humorous, heartfelt memories of a career that has ranged from her iconic role as Olivia on The Waltons to a stirring turn opposite James Arness in the classic Gunsmoke episode “Matt’s Love Story.” Joining host Rob Word and producer/co-host RJ Word, Michael opens up about her life before Hollywood—her early ballet aspirations, her time in repertory theater, and the fateful off-Broadway moment that led to her groundbreaking role on The Waltons.
She reminisces about the extraordinary people she’s worked with—from Patricia Neal to John Ritter—and reveals how Gunsmoke’s towering star James Arness surprised her by being a “gentle giant,” not to mention a terrific kisser. With wit and warmth, Michael reflects on how she went from “just pouring coffee” as a Depression-era matriarch to winning multiple Emmys, and what it was like recently portraying Jeffrey Dahmer’s unwitting grandmother. It’s a lively conversation full of surprises—much like Michael’s incredible career—and a reminder that one unforgettable Western role can spark a lifetime of cherished memories. Grab your Stetson and enjoy this delightful ride with one of TV’s most beloved matriarchs.
Two Hollywood legacies saddle up for a lively conversation in this episode of A Word on Westerns. Host Rob Word and producer RJ Word sit down with Chris Mitchum—son of screen legend Robert Mitchum—and Patrick Wayne—son of the Duke himself, John Wayne—to revisit the making of 1971’s Big Jake. Both actors, playing Duke’s on-screen sons, share spirited behind-the-scenes stories from one of John Wayne’s last great Westerns.
The pair recall how Chris landed the role while filming Rio Lobo and how Patrick’s casting was decidedly more straightforward and nepotistic. They laugh about George Sherman’s direction (and John Wayne’s subtle overrides), Richard Boone’s scene-stealing intensity, and the surprising challenges of operating a mock-up 1914 Harley-Davidson. Between anecdotes of on-set pranks, baritone voice lessons from Howard Hawks, and the film’s brutal opening sequence that truly set its darker tone, Chris and Patrick paint a vivid portrait of 1970s Western filmmaking—where grit, humor, and father-son camaraderie all found a place under the blazing sun.
Whether you’re new to Big Jake or have cherished it for decades, you won’t want to miss this candid, warmhearted chat with two men who grew up in the long shadow of Western icons yet forged memorable screen careers all their own. Grab your Stetson, fire up the old dirt bike (or horse!), and ride along for an inside look at a John Wayne classic.
On this episode of A Word on Westerns, host Rob Word and producer RJ Word connect with the one-and-only Don Stroud, who went from catching massive waves in Hawai‘i to wrestling with Hollywood’s biggest names—and some serious demons along the way.
Growing up in Waikīkī under the guidance of legendary beach boys, Don found himself doubling for Troy Donahue on the classic TV show Hawaiian Eye before bouncing his way—literally—into the Whiskey a Go Go as its most formidable doorman. Then, at the urging of industry titans like Sidney Poitier and agent Dick Clayton, he set his sights on Hollywood, landing unforgettable roles opposite Clint Eastwood in Coogan’s Bluff and Joe Kidd, and sparring with Henry Fonda and Richard Widmark in Don Siegel’s Madigan.
Don’s stories brim with candor, whether he’s recalling James Arness riding 15-foot breakers in Makaha (“the biggest surfer I’d ever seen!”) or reflecting on the party-fueled studio system of the 1960s and ’70s. Along the way, he grapples with his share of real-life adversity, eventually trading the perils of excess for the renewed joy of living clean. Yet even after racking up more than a hundred film and TV credits, he returned to the Western spotlight in a memorable turn as Sheriff Bill Sharp in Django Unchained—a testament to his lifelong cowboy spirit.
Join us for an intimate portrait of a true Hollywood maverick whose fast fists and fearless wave-riding left an indelible mark on the Western genre—proving that sometimes the best cowboys come from the beach.
On this episode of A Word on Westerns, host Rob Word and producer RJ Word sit down with two individuals whose lives intertwined with TV’s ultimate lawman, James Arness. Janet Arness—Jim’s wife from the final years of Gunsmoke through his later adventures—and Bruce Boxleitner, who co-starred in How the West Was Won and the last Gunsmoke movie, saddle up to share their fondest memories, behind-the-scenes stories, and a few cherished secrets about the man under the iconic cowboy hat.
Janet recounts the private side of Jim—his love of nature, his penchant for flying up to Mammoth Lakes on a whim, and the quiet gallantry that made him pick up campfire trash without a second thought. She paints a portrait of a tall, rugged outdoorsman who wasn’t a fan of big parties but reveled in spontaneous trips and sunset rides. Equally captivating is her glimpse into Jim’s bond with his brother, Peter Graves (born Peter Arness), and how both men soared to Hollywood fame in their own ways.
Meanwhile, Bruce Boxleitner remembers a hero who led by example rather than lectures, whether on the set of How the West Was Won or during their tussles in the remake of Red River. He reveals the warm laughter behind Jim’s towering frame, the gentle humor that lightened even the most punishing outdoor shoot, and the steadfast friendships that carried over from Gunsmoke into later series and TV films.
From John Wayne’s surprising cameo during the pilot of Gunsmoke to the bittersweet final days of “One Man’s Justice,” this conversation unearths the heart of a star whose towering presence loomed over the golden age of the Western. Journey along as Janet and Bruce pull back the curtain on a devoted husband, a private soul, and a steadfast mentor to many—proving that sometimes the best tales are the ones shared long after the final gunshot fades.
There comes a point in every legend when the heroes circle back to the campfire and tell the tales of old. On this episode of A Word on Westerns, host Rob Word and producer RJ Word welcome the once wide-eyed kids—now cinema veterans—who starred alongside John Wayne in The Cowboys (1972): A. Martinez and Bobby Carradine. Fifty years have trotted by since they first mounted up with the Duke, and the two amigos have plenty of recollections to share.
They vividly recall the day John Wayne first strode across the set, 6'5" of iconic swagger, leaving them starstruck and tongue-tied. They describe that legendary moment Bruce Dern improvised a river-dunk scene, sending everyone (especially the poor kid he almost drowned!) into a tailspin and much more!
Join us to celebrate one of the finest Westerns of the 1970s, a classic whose legend has grown almost as much as its stars.
Enjoyed this episode? Please follow the show, share it with your friends, and gallop on over to Patreon, Facebook, or YouTube to support A Word on Westerns.
Saddle up for the big debut this Monday, September 13! A WORD ON WESTERNS, the award-winning YouTube series, makes its highly anticipated podcast premiere—hosted by television veteran Rob Word and his son, producer and entertainer RJ Word. With a special focus on the Western genre, this in-depth interview series preserves and celebrates the legacy of film, television, and beyond. Get firsthand stories from the filmmakers and stars who shaped your favorite on-screen classics—many recorded at the legendary Autry Museum in Los Angeles. Don’t miss your chance to ride along and keep the spirit of the West alive!
Podcasten A Word on Westerns är skapad av Rob Word. Podcastens innehåll och bilderna på den här sidan hämtas med hjälp av det offentliga podcastflödet (RSS).
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.