The Unbeatable Revelation: Discover the Hidden Actor Portraying Justified's Raylan Givens (NOT Timothy Olyphant)

Summary

Timothy Olyphant's portrayal of Raylan Givens in Justified has become his signature role and is arguably his best-known character.

James LeGros initially portrayed Givens in the 1997 TV movie Pronto, but his performance was criticized for lacking the compelling charm exhibited by Olyphant. However, LeGros later joined Justified as the character Wade Messer and delivered a commendable performance in that particular role.

Timothy Olyphant has solidified his status as an iconic Western figure through various noteworthy roles, including Deadwood, The Mandalorian's Cobb Vanth, and his memorable vocal cameo in Rango as the "Spirit of the West," bearing a striking resemblance to Clint Eastwood. However, it is his portrayal of the understated U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens in Justified that has truly established itself as his most recognized and defining character.

Although Justified's series conclusion occurred in 2015, the incessant demand from viewers for more Raylan prompted the creation of the highly acclaimed revival mini-series, City Primeval. With its favorable reception and high ratings, the possibility of additional Justified spinoffs seems almost inevitable. As a result, Olyphant may continue to sport Raylan's iconic Stetson hat for many more years to come. It is difficult to envision anyone other than Olyphant embodying the role of Raylan, despite him being the second actor to portray the character.

James LeGros Was The First Actor To Play Marshal Raylan Givens

Raylan Givens made his first appearance on screen in the 1997 TV movie Pronto, where James LeGros portrayed the character. Pronto, based on Elmore Leonard's novel of the same name, tells the story of a Miami bookie named Harry, played by Peter Falk, who must go on the run after being targeted by the mob. Raylan, portrayed by LeGros, attempts to convince Harry to testify in exchange for protection and plays a significant supporting role. Although Pronto received generally positive reviews upon its release, it is often considered one of the lesser adaptations of Leonard's work.

In a 2010 interview with NJ.com, it becomes clear that the author of the original creation was not pleased with LeGros' portrayal. When asked about LeGros' Raylan, the author responded with a dismissive comment about the actor's current status and mentioned that the wrong hat was chosen for him. It is true that LeGros' portrayal of Givens lacks the appropriate fit in terms of appearance, and his depiction leans towards a more comical interpretation. However, LeGros cleverly utilizes this exaggerated portrayal to disarm others and is capable of turning to violence when necessary. Nevertheless, when compared to Olyphant's rendition, LeGros' portrayal of Givens is generally considered less captivating and charismatic.

James LeGros Later Became An Enemy Of Raylans On Justified

Despite Leonard's opinion of LeGros as a performer, he is a talented character actor in his own right, but he was not suited for that particular role. In later years, he gained recognition for his roles in Ally McBeal and the Kirsten Stewart drama Certain Women. He also joined Justified during its second season, portraying the dimwitted criminal Wade Messer who repeatedly crosses paths with Raylan. In season 2, he assists Dickie Bennett (Jeremy Davies) in seeking revenge on Raylan by hanging him upside down from a tree and planning to beat him to death with a bat. Fortunately, Raylan is saved by his old rival Boyd (Walton Goggins).

In Justified season 3, Raylan arrests Messer after yet another attempt on his life, and Messer makes a final appearance in season 5. However, Wade's return is short-lived, as the equally dimwitted Dewey Crowe (Damon Herriman) is forced to kill him when he is caught stealing from the Crowe family. Messer's prolonged death is one of the most unsettling scenes in Justified's fifth season, and overall, LeGros's portrayal of Wade proves to be much stronger than his portrayal of Raylan.

Source: NJ.com