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Date Posted: 08:36:26 10/18/21 Mon
Author: Gary McDonald
Subject: Don Collier

Actor Don Collier, one of the last surviving stars of the golden age of classic television westerns, died early Monday morning, September 13, 2021, in hospice care at his son Steve Mounger’s home in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. He was 92. Diagnosed with lung cancer in May, the veteran actor completed radiation treatments in August and appeared robust as recently as days before his passing.

His death was confirmed by Andrew J. Klyde, attorney for Bonanza Ventures, which controls intellectual property rights to the television series created by David Dortort, “Bonanza” and “The High Chaparral.” Mr. Collier was a frequent guest star in the former series and a co-star of the latter.

Mr. Collier performed onstage and appeared in over 200 television and feature film productions with the likes of John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Anthony Quinn, Audie Murphy, Val Kilmer and Elvis Presley, but is perhaps best known for his starring roles in two series. Starting in the fall of 1960, Mr. Collier played U.S. Marshal Will Foreman for two seasons in the NBC western, “Outlaws,” described as “an historically authentic western-adventure series documenting the stories of American western bandits at the turn of the century, telling stories of outlaws without condoning their actions, from the point of view of the hunted.”

In 1966, David Dortort, creator-producer of the seminal series, “Bonanza,” tapped Mr. Collier for a featured role in a new western, “The High Chaparral.” Mr. Collier played ranch foreman Sam Butler, leader of the rambunctious bunkhouse gang. Critically acclaimed and still popular with legions of fans worldwide, “The High Chaparral,” filmed mostly on location at Old Tucson, told the story of the Cannon and Montoya families in Arizona in the 1870s and attempts - not always successful - to co-exist peacefully with the neighboring Apache. Critics praised the series for being among the first to depict Latinos in major and non-stereotypical roles and frequently showcasing a sympathetic side to the plight of Native Americans. With the passing of Mr. Collier, preceded by the death in 2020 of Linda Cristal and Henry Darrow in May, of regular cast members, only Mark Slade and Rudy Ramos remain.

Affable and gregarious, the ruggedly handsome, 6’ actor seemed most at home out on the range. Mr. Collier’s distinctive, husky voice (becoming more gravelly as the years passed) also yielded numerous narration and radio assignments, and for decades he was a popular pitchman for several products. Don was consistently charming and good-natured.

RIP

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Replies:

[> Re: Don Collier -- Tim, 22:42:59 10/31/21 Sun [1]

Thanks for the great write-up, Gary.

RIP Don Collier

Tim

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