Unforgettable Characters from the Golden Age of Westerns

1. Man With No Name

• Movie: “Fistful of Dollars,” “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly,” “For a Few Dollars More”
• Portrayed by: Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood took on the role of anti-hero in the Fistful of Dollars franchise using awful tactics to get what he wanted. The poncho and cowboy hat combo was true to how cowboys dressed back in the day. He’s been called Joe, Manco, and Blondie at different points during the trilogy. This is one of Eastwood’s best works in film.

2. Doc Holliday

• Movie: “Tombstone”
• Portrayed by: Val Kilmer

There aren’t many outlaws whose names are as noteworthy as Doc Holliday. The real-life outlaw became infamous for his robberies, gambling, and murders. The movie “Tombstone” in the 1990s showcased him and other outlaws during their lives together. Holliday is played by Val Kilmer in this movie, where the legend of the true character became immortalized in the minds of viewers around the world.

3. Josey Wales

• Movie: “The Outlaw Josey Wales”
• Portrayed by: Clint Eastwood

Josey Wales was a farmer who wanted to live a peaceful life on his ranch – until his family was brutally murdered. Rather than sit back and do nothing, Wales took it upon himself to find the men who did it to get revenge. He became a fan favorite because he was determined to avenge his bloodline.

4. Rooster Cogburn

• Movie: “True Grit”
• Portrayed by: John Wayne

Rooster Cogburn is a character that has been played by both John Wayne and Jeff Bridges for multiple film adaptations. The character is best known for being an alcoholic Marshall for the United States, but it’s his pursuit of justice that keeps fans wanting more. The way Cogburn was portrayed to showcase “true grit” in his day-to-day life made him a respectable fellow.

5. Butch Cassidy

• Movie: “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”
• Portrayed by: Paul Newman

Newman played Butch Cassidy in the film where he was a train robber with his partner. Cassidy is widely known as an anti-hero, thanks to his willingness to do what’s right from time to time. Western fans have long maintained Cassidy as one of the best characters throughout the genre’s history.

6. The Sundance Kid

• Movie: “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”
• Portrayed by: Robert Redford

Butch Cassidy’s partner throughout his adventures is the Sundance Kid, a character who is now known for his sense of humor and attention to detail. He always kept a close eye on what was going on around him. Redford and Newman had such great chemistry on set as Cassidy and “Kid” that it helped translate into on-screen success.

7. Gus McCrae

• Movie: “Lonesome Dove”
• Portrayed by: Gus McCrae

It’s rare to find a hardened Western character with emotional depth like Gus McCrae. The character from the miniseries “Lonesome Dove” made his mark with this depth, while also showcasing humor and a traditional cowboy mindset. He was friends with everyone who came in contact with him. Over the years, Western fans have grown to truly love and appreciate all McCrae has to offer on-screen.

8. Marshal Matt Dillon

• Movie: Gunsmoke Franchise
• Portrayed by: James Arness

The Gunsmoke franchise has become one of the most revered by fans over the years, thanks in part to characters like Marshal Matt Dillon. He was one of the first men in the Western genre to lay down the hammer of justice during the run of the series. He helped showcase what elements a top-notch Western show should have. Dillon made sure no matter what, fans always saw that his heart was always in the right place.

9. Tom Doniphon

• Movie: “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance”
• Portrayed by: John Wayne

Like many Western characters, Doniphon didn’t care about anything other than the pursuit of justice. He didn’t mind if someone else got the credit for his work, as long as the criminal was persecuted. Doniphon was selfless and acted like small-town sheriffs back in the day would. Wayne’s portrayal of different Western characters during his career is why he’s so beloved as an actor.

10. Wyatt Earp

• Movie: “Tombstone”
• Portrayed by: Kurt Russell

In real life, Wyatt Earp was known for his willingness to do anything to protect the law and is best known for his shootout at the O.K. Corral (he was also known for his gambling). It was only right to include Earp in “Tombstone,” alongside some of the most notorious gangsters in Western cinema. While dozens have assumed the role of Earp throughout the years, it was Russell’s portrayal that stood out.

11. William Munny

• Movie: “Unforgiven”
• Portrayed by: Clint Eastwood

Eastwood took on the role of Munny in the movie “Unforgiven.” Munny was a character who had a tough past that eventually caught up to him. Rather than sulk in the past, he decided it was time to move on and make things better. It became challenging for him when his past caught up to him.

Munny had to figure out what to do, to fight back against his circumstances, and how to leave it all behind. His perseverance is why fans love him.