When I see questions on various websites asking why Gary Clarke, Lee J. Cobb, Roberta Shore, Diane Roter and Clu Gulager left The Virginian I know they haven’t read my book. The answers are all answered. Just as important my book provide details on the creation of the show and the various producers and writers who brought the characters to life.
Producers Frank Price and Joel Rogosin both contributed and my exclusive interview with Sara Lane brings you up-to-date on her life after The Virginian was cancelled. I also interviewed actress Pippa Scott who starred in the first season. So enjoy my book. I enjoyed researching and writing it.
Available from McFarland & Co. Publishers and all online bookstores.
The Virginian Weblog 
Paul, I read your excellent book back in January 2008, so with the passage of time my memory might not be so sharp. Recently, I read a book on actors who’d appeared in the old TV Westerns. Reference is made to the fact that Hugh O’Brian was first offered the role of The Virginian and turned it down. I’ve no recollection of that in your own book.
Do you know if Hugh O’Brian was offered the part? And do you know the names of any other actors who tested for the role? I just can’t imagine anyone but James Drury playing The Virginian. He was perfect.
Hi Richard
Only Gary Clarke told me of other actors testing for his role of Steve Hill. James Drury just told me he was told he had the part and had to report for filming that Monday morning. He never mentioned other actors auditioning although there would most likely have been an auditioning process. Hugh O’Brian sounds like a likely candidate. I’ve heard of others connected with the part but have never confirmed them. I only know of James Drury.
Why did the actors change on The Virginian?
It’s all detailed in my book on the series. Generally speaking their contracts weren’t renewed or they left because they wanted to move on. Ratings were also a factor in cast changes.
Can you please tell me the breed of the white horse that is pictured with Sara Lane? Is he a Quarter Horse?
Sara told me the “white stallion” was a “speciality horse” that originally appeared on film working alongside with Cantinflas.