Is Buck Taylor Of Gunsmoke Still Alive

So, you’re sitting there, maybe binge-watching some old Westerns, and you spot that rugged, bearded, gentle giant of a man—Buck Taylor. You know the one: Newly O’Brien, the blacksmith-turned-deputy on Gunsmoke. And then it hits you: “Wait, is Buck Taylor still alive?” It’s a fair question. The show aired its last episode way back in 1975, which feels like a dust-covered relic at this point. Let’s saddle up and find out, shall we?

The Quick Answer: A Big, Happy “Yes!”

I’ll put your heart at ease right now: Yes, Buck Taylor is still alive! He’s kicking, smiling, and probably telling tall tales somewhere as we speak. Born on May 13, 1938, that makes him a spry 86 years old at the time of this writing. That’s right—the man who played the lovable Newly is still very much with us.

And get this: he’s not just alive; he’s thriving. Buck hasn’t exactly retired to a rocking chair. The guy is still working, acting, and appearing at conventions, signing autographs for fans who remember him from the dusty streets of Dodge City. Talk about a career that won’t quit!

From Blacksmith to Bonafide Star

Let’s rewind a bit, because Buck’s story is almost too good to be true. He wasn’t some Hollywood brat; he was a real cowboy. His father was Dub “Cannonball” Taylor, a famous rodeo clown and trick roper. So Buck grew up around horses, lariats, and bull riding—pretty much the perfect training for a Western star.

When he joined Gunsmoke in 1967, he was supposed to be a one-episode guest star. But the audience fell head-over-heels for his character, Newly O’Brien. The writers kept him around for eight seasons. Imagine you show up for a temp job and end up staying for a decade. That’s Buck Taylor for you—he just had that charm.

Beloved 'Gunsmoke' actor Buck Taylor lands recurring role on Yellowstone

What’s He Up to Now? More Than You’d Think!

You might assume an 86-year-old actor is just shuffling around a golf course. Not Buck. My friend, this man is still making movies. He’s appeared in modern Westerns like Tombstone (as the guy playing the piano!) and had a memorable role in Hell on Wheels. He even popped up in Yellowstone as a grumpy old rancher. Seriously, the man is a living bridge between the golden age of TV and today’s streaming giants.

And if that weren’t enough, Buck is also a gifted painter and sculptor. He creates bronze statues and oil paintings of cowboys and Native American scenes. His art has been displayed in galleries from Texas to Montana. He’s basically a Renaissance man with a ten-gallon hat.

But Wait—Wasn’t He in a Plane Crash?

Okay, here’s where things get a little dramatic. Yes, Buck was in a serious plane crash in 1995. He was flying with his son when the engine failed. The plane went down, and Buck broke his back. Doctors told him he might never walk again. What did Buck do? He said, “Nah, I’m a cowboy.” After months of rehab, he was back on his feet, painting and riding horses. If that isn’t the definition of tough, I don’t know what is.

What Ever Happened to the Cast of 'Gunsmoke?'

The crash didn’t slow him down one bit. In fact, he later joked, “The only thing that broke was my ego.” That’s the kind of grit that makes you love the guy even more.

Why We Still Care About an Old TV Show’s Deputy

Look, Gunsmoke might seem ancient to younger folks, but it was a cultural institution. It ran for 20 seasons—longer than most marriages. And characters like Newly O’Brien weren’t just sidekicks. They were the heart of the show. Newly was the guy who fixed your wagon, broke your heart with a sad story, then saved your life with a six-shooter.

Buck Taylor brought a gentle sincerity to the role. He wasn’t a mean sheriff or a slick gunslinger. He was the dependable guy you’d want beside you in a saloon brawl. That’s why we remember him. That’s why we ask, “Is he still alive?” Because he feels like an old friend.

Buck Taylor, aka Newly O’Brian from the iconic western “Gunsmoke” is

The Joy of Social Media (Yes, He’s on It)

Here’s a fun fact that will make you smile: Buck Taylor has a Facebook page. And he actually posts on it! You can see photos of him at rodeos, holding a paintbrush, or grinning with fans. He often writes little notes like, “Thanks for remembering old Newly.” It’s adorable. The man is 86, and he’s still engaging with people who watched him in black-and-white.

If you scroll through his page, you’ll find a man who is genuinely grateful for his life. He doesn’t complain about the old days or grumble about modern times. He just says, “I’ve been lucky.” And honestly? That’s the best kind of celebrity.

A Gentle Reminder About Time

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “He’s 86. That’s old.” And yes, none of us are immortal. But Buck Taylor is a wonderful reminder that age is just a number when you have passion. He’s still creating, still acting, still showing up. He’s not sitting at home waiting for a check. He’s living.

Buck Taylor's Instagram, Twitter & Facebook on IDCrawl

So the next time you watch an episode of Gunsmoke and see Newly O’Brien hammering a horseshoe or staring down an outlaw, remember: that man is still out there, painting sunsets and shaking hands with fans. He’s a living legend in a world that moves too fast to appreciate legends.

The Uplifting Conclusion (I Promised You One)

So, is Buck Taylor of Gunsmoke still alive? You bet your boots he is! And he’s doing it with style, grace, and a twinkle in his eye. He’s proof that the “good guys” sometimes win, even after the credits roll. He reminds us that you can be a tough cowboy and a soft-hearted artist at the same time. He’s a testament to resilience—surviving a plane crash, a broken back, and the ever-changing tides of Hollywood.

Here’s the takeaway, friend: while we’re all stressing about bills, social media drama, or what to watch next on Netflix, Buck Taylor is out there, at 86, doing what he loves. He’s painting a buffalo one day, chatting with a fan the next. And that should make you smile. Because if a man who rode horses through fake gunfire and real plane crashes can still find joy in every sunrise, then so can you. So go ahead—send a little mental “thank you” to Newly O’Brien. He’d probably tip his hat to you. And if you ever see him at a convention, buy him a sarsaparilla. He’s earned it.