Premiering on CBS in 1959, Rawhide was one of television’s most iconic Westerns, running for eight seasons until 1965.
Rawhide was set during the post-Civil War era and followed a team of cattle drovers as they guided herds across the American frontier. While Rawhide wrapped more than half a century ago, its influence remains visible in modern Westerns and American storytelling.
Each episode tackled themes of justice, survival, and morality, often exploring the social challenges of the American West through guest stars and dramatic encounters along the trail.
The series helped launch Clint Eastwood’s career, ultimately setting the stage for his rise as a major Hollywood star. After the show ended, many cast members pursued diverse paths in acting, directing, and even politics, each carrying a piece of the show’s legacy with them.
Eric Fleming as Trail Boss Gil Favor
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Eric Fleming played trail boss Gil Favor, the leader who guided the cattle crew across dangerous terrain.
He continued acting after Rawhide, but his career was tragically cut short when he drowned in a river while filming in South America in 1966. He was 41.
Fleming was thought to have been engaged to model Lynne Garber at the time of his death.
Clint Eastwood as Rowdy Yates
ony Esparza/CBS via Getty; Steve Granitz/WireImage
Clint Eastwood portrayed Rowdy Yates, the young cowhand who eventually matures into a leader. After Rawhide, Eastwood’s career skyrocketed, thanks to his roles in Italian Westerns like A Fistful of Dollars and later in Dirty Harry.
He became a major Hollywood director and actor, winning multiple Academy Awards for films like Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby. As of 2025, the 95-year-old continues to work in film, cementing his legacy as one of cinema’s enduring figures.
He was married twice: first to Maggie Johnson (1953 to 1984) and then to Dina Eastwood (1996 to 2014). Eastwood has a total of eight children.
Paul Brinegar as George Washington Wishbone
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Paul Brinegar played Wishbone, the camp cook who added heart and humor to the trail. After the show, he kept working steadily in Westerns, both in movies and TV.
He was married to Shirley Talbott and had two children. Brinegar remained active in acting until shortly before his death. He passed away in 1995 at the age of 77.
Sheb Wooley as Pete Nolan
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Sheb Wooley played Pete Nolan, a scout with a strong sense of direction. A talented musician as well, Wooley is famously known for his novelty hit, The Purple People Eater. He continued to balance both acting and music throughout his career, even contributing to sound effects like the iconic “Wilhelm Scream.”
Wooley was married to Linda Wooley for nearly two decades. The pair shared one child.
Sheb died in 2003 at the age of 82.
James Murdock as Mushy
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James Murdock played Mushy, the assistant cook who brought warmth to the show. After Rawhide, his acting career slowed, though he appeared in a handful of television shows and films in the 1970s, including The Godfather Part II.
Murdock kept a low profile in his personal life. He passed away in 1981 at just 50. Despite his relatively brief career, he left a memorable impression on fans of the series.
Steve Raines as Jim Quince
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Steve Raines took on the role of Jim Quince, a seasoned drover known for his quiet toughness. A real-life cowboy and rodeo performer before acting, Raines brought authenticity to his role.
After Rawhide, he continued appearing in Westerns and action series, though his acting career eventually wound down. He lived a relatively private life and passed away in 1996 at the age of 79.
Rocky Shahan as Joe Scarlet
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Rocky Shahan played a supporting drover, Joe Scarlet. In addition to acting, he worked extensively as a stuntman in Westerns.
Shahan stepped back from Hollywood in the late 1970s. He died in 1981, remembered primarily for his behind-the-scenes contributions to the genre.
He was 62 at the time of his death.
