Clint Walker

Norman Eugene “Clint” Walker was born on May 30, 1927, in Hartford, Illinois, alongside his twin sister, Lucy. Raised during the Great Depression, he took on many early jobs—factory worker, golf caddy, Mississippi River boatman, and carnival roustabout. At 17, he joined the Merchant Marine during World War II and later worked various roles across Texas and California, including as a nightclub bouncer and security agent.

Tall, muscular, and ruggedly handsome at 6′6″, Walker caught the attention of Hollywood. His first acting role came in 1954 in Jungle Gents, followed by a part in Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ten Commandments. But his big break arrived in 1955 when Warner Bros. cast him as Cheyenne Bodie in Cheyenne, the first hour-long TV Western.

Walker’s portrayal of Cheyenne—a soft-spoken but fearless cowboy who roamed the West seeking justice—struck a chord with audiences. The series ran for eight seasons and 103 episodes, making him a household name. Even during a contract dispute that briefly pulled him off the air, fans remained loyal, and he returned to the role stronger than ever.

He successfully transitioned into film, starring in Fort Dobbs, Yellowstone Kelly, Gold of the Seven Saints, and The Night of the Grizzly, his personal favorite. He later joined the ensemble cast of The Dirty Dozen and continued working in Westerns and action-adventure films through the 1970s, including Sam Whiskey and The Great Bank Robbery. He also starred in TV movies like Yuma, Centennial, and Hardcase.

In 1971, Walker survived a near-fatal skiing accident where a ski pole pierced his heart. Doctors told him he wouldn’t make it—but he recovered and returned to acting within months.

Later in life, he voiced a character in the 1998 animated film Small Soldiers and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Golden Boot Award, and induction into the Western Performers Hall of Fame.

Walker married three times and had one daughter. He passed away on May 21, 2018, just days before his 91st birthday.

With his towering presence, quiet strength, and kind heart, Clint Walker became one of Western television’s most beloved stars. His legacy lives on in Cheyenne and in the hearts of fans who still admire the gentle giant who brought justice to the screen.