Overview
Walter Clarence "Buck" Taylor, III (born May 13, 1938) is an American actor and painter. He gained wide recognition for a long-running role on television and later developed a second career as a creator of Western-themed art. He is the son of character actor Dub Taylor.
Acting career and signature role
Taylor's best-known performance was as Newly O'Brien, a young gunsmith-turned-deputy introduced on the CBS series CBS Gunsmoke. He joined the cast in 1967 and remained a regular through 1975. Newly served as a steady supporting figure in the later seasons, assisting Marshal Matt Dillon and contributing to the program's depiction of frontier life.
Other screen work
Outside of his signature television part, Taylor appeared in numerous Westerns and television guest roles over several decades. His screen work typically cast him in genre pieces, reflecting both his on-screen persona and his affinity for Western themes. He also participated in cast reunions and genre conventions where he remained a visible presence among fans.
Art and later life
In addition to acting, Taylor established himself as a painter whose subjects draw heavily on the American West: cowboys, horses, and frontier scenes. His artwork has been shown at galleries and sold to collectors who appreciate narrative and representational Western art. He continues to be associated with Western cultural events and exhibitions.
Notable facts and legacy
- Long-running television presence as a reliable supporting actor on a major network drama.
- Transitioned from performing to visual art while remaining connected to Western genre communities.
- Recognized by fans of classic television for helping to sustain the ensemble feel of a landmark series.
Taylor's combined careers in entertainment and visual arts have made him a familiar name in circles that celebrate mid-20th-century American Westerns, both on screen and on canvas.