Wow, what a story to tell! James Drury, who passed away in April 2020, left behind a legacy that’s nothing short of remarkable. Known for his iconic role as the Virginian in the hit '60s TV series The Virginian, he built up quite the fortune during his lifetime. According to celebritynetworth.com, his net worth was valued at $1.5 million before his passing. That’s some serious money for a cowboy legend.

A Cowboy's Journey to Stardom

James Drury didn’t just step into the spotlight; he owned it. For nearly a decade, from 1962 to 1971, he played the Virginian on the show that would define his career. It wasn’t just a job for him—it was a passion. In an interview with the Oklahoma newspaper The Daily Ardmoreite in 2018, James opened up about the challenges of being typecast. "The Virginian was an indelible character," he reflected. "But it wasn’t easy shaking off that image. I had a lot of trouble getting people to see me as anything other than the man in the black hat. It was a blessing and a curse, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything."

Behind the Scenes: The Making of a TV Icon

The production of The Virginian was no easy feat. James often juggled multiple roles and scenes simultaneously. "Here's the thing," he explained to Cowboys and Indians magazine in 2016. "We had to produce one episode every week, but it took eight days to make just one. So, we had to work on two or three episodes at the same time. You'd have a scene where Doug McClure had the starring role, and I'd pop in for a small part. Then I'd move to another episode where I was the main guy, doing several pages of script. And sometimes, I'd jump into a scene where Gary Clarke was the star. It was an intricate process, but it worked like magic. It was fascinating how everything came together."

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Why Did Viewers Love The Virginian?

When asked what made The Virginian such a beloved series, James didn’t hesitate to credit the writing. "People connected with it because they got swept up in the story," he said. "It transported them from their own problems, which is the essence of entertainment. That's what we managed to achieve, and I was incredibly proud and honored to be a part of it. Even now, I look back on that show with immense pride. And I believe I have every right to feel that way."

James is survived by his two sons, Timothy Drury and James Drury Jr., who undoubtedly carry on their father’s legacy with pride.