The Greatest B-Movie Western Actors of All Time

9. Charles Starrett

Charles Starrett was a B-movie Western star of the 1930s and 1940s, known for his leading role in The Durango Kid series. In these films, Starrett portrayed an upstanding citizen who pretended to be a dangerous horseman, driving local criminals out of town. His career spanned over 100 movies, and he also showcased his talents as a musician in many musical Westerns.

Charles Starrett Snake River Desperados 1951

8. Fred MacMurray

Fred MacMurray, though notable for roles outside of B-Movie Westerns, began his career in low-budget Western productions. His standout performance in the 1957 movie 'Quantez' showcased his talent as an experienced killer dealing with the morality of his poor decisions. While MacMurray never received the acclaim of other Western stars, his talent always shone through in his many B-movie roles.

Fred MacMurray in Quantez (1957)

7. Johnny Mack Brown

Johnny Mack Brown, a successful college football player, transitioned into an acting career and became a star in the early 1930s. Despite finding himself in low-budget Westerns in later years, he starred in 29 B-westerns and continued to act throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

Johnny Mack Brown Partners of the Trail 1944

6. Rory Calhoun

Rory Calhoun, who gained recognition in the Western genre, had a fruitful collaboration with director Ray Nazarro and starred in several Western B-movies. Known for his likable leading man persona, Calhoun also had a supporting part in the screwball comedy 'How to Marry a Millionaire,' showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Rory Calhoun Spaghetti Western

5. Tim Holt

Tim Holt, known for major roles in Western dramas, excelled in B-movie Westerns and made a name for himself as a singing cowboy. He appeared in 46 B-movies for RKO pictures, many of which were Westerns, solidifying his place as a talented actor in the genre.

Humphrey Bogart as Fred C. Dobbs and Tim Holt as Bob Curtin smiling in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre

4. Lash LaRue

Lash LaRue, known for his skill with the bullwhip, starred in dozens of Westerns with standout performances as The Cheyenne Kid. His incredible skill with the whip even led him to teach Harrison Ford in preparation for the Indiana Jones movies, solidifying his reputation as one of the greats of the B-movie Western genre.

Lash LaRue b-movie Western star in his signature all black outfit and whip

3. Joel McCrea

Joel McCrea, who excelled in the Western genre, played dozens of parts and delivered standout performances. His most notable role was in the 1962 movie 'Ride the High Country,' where he showcased incredible charisma and a strong commitment to his role as Steve Judd, an ex-lawman hired to transport gold from a mining camp back to California.

Joel McCrea holding a knife in the woods in The Most Dangerous Game (1932).

2. Randolph Scott

Randolph Scott, known as the quintessential tall-in-the-saddle Western hero, was a consistent box-office draw and excelled in the B-movie Western genre. His acclaimed career spanned over 30 years, and he delivered memorable performances in movies like 'Ride Lonesome,' where he played the bounty Ben Brigade escorting a man to his murder trial.

Randolph Scott as Ben Brigade in Ride Lonesome

1. Audie Murphy

Audie Murphy, known for his real-life story as one of the most decorated combat soldiers of World War II, starred in 33 Western movies. His remarkable life story was as interesting as any of his films, and he stood as the best B-movie Western actor ever, portraying outlaws such as Billy the Kid and Jesse James.

Audie Murphy in To Hell and Back