James Drury was perfect casting in the role of the Virginian. A gentleman of great charm with a rugged, tough edge when required. A man who lived by a moral code in a time when lawlessness was common. A natural leader and a team player who at heart was something of a loner with a past he kept close to his chest. Through nine seasons James Drury played the Virginian with integrity and remained faithful to the character.
The Virginian Weblog 
He did always stay in character and was so good in his role, which was a big part of the appeal of the show.
I wish they were still making new episodes of the Virginian. They just don’t make good westerns anymore. I guess we can watch the old ones over and over.
Johnny – I wish they had made a few Virginian reunion TV Movies back in the 1980s or early 1990s while Doug McClure was still alive. Doug and Jim Drury did appear together briefly on a “Fall Guy” episode back in the 1980s and in a Kenny Rogers TV movie that was a tribute to the classic TV Western stars.