James Drury

James Drury brought quiet strength and unwavering integrity to one of television’s most iconic Western roles. As the mysterious foreman of Shiloh Ranch in The Virginian, he became a symbol of justice, loyalty, and the cowboy code—both on screen and in real life.

Born April 18, 1934, in New York City, Drury was raised between two worlds: the bustling city, where his father taught marketing at NYU, and the wide-open spaces of Oregon, where his mother’s family owned a working ranch. Summers spent riding horses, learning marksmanship, and embracing the outdoors instilled in him a deep respect for the cowboy lifestyle.

Drury’s passion for acting began early. At just eight years old, he took the stage in a Christmas play, and by twelve, he was performing professionally. After being expelled from high school in Los Angeles, he enrolled at NYU, where he trained as a classical actor and performed in dozens of Shakespeare and Shaw productions.

In 1954, Drury moved to Hollywood and signed with MGM just a week after arriving. He later joined 20th Century Fox, appearing in films alongside Elvis Presley and Pat Boone. But it was television—and the Western genre in particular—where he found his true calling.

In 1962, Drury was cast as the title character in The Virginian, a role he would play for nine seasons. Drawing inspiration from his grandfather, who traveled west by wagon train in the 1880s, Drury infused the character with authenticity and quiet resolve. His performance helped define the modern TV Western and earned him a devoted fan base.

Beyond The Virginian, Drury appeared in Gunsmoke, Alias Smith and Jones, and Walker, Texas Ranger. He also served as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve and was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers in 1991.

James Drury passed away on April 6, 2020, at the age of 85. He remained a steadfast friend to INSP and a true embodiment of the values he portrayed on screen.