Cowboys have long been a staple of both TV and film, representing rugged individualism, justice, and a certain kind of timeless toughness. Over the years, these characters have become legends, with actors portraying them in ways that left an indelible mark on the genre and pop culture. From the dusty trails of the Wild West to the big screen showdowns, these cowboys captured the essence of adventure and honor.
In this list, we look at 12 of the most iconic cowboys who helped define TV and movie history. These larger-than-life figures aren’t just memorable for their roles in Westerns—they shaped how we think about the cowboy archetype and set the stage for the genre’s evolution. Their performances still resonate today, proving just how deeply these characters have embedded themselves in our collective consciousness.
John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn
John Wayne, with his gravelly voice and towering presence, immortalized the cowboy archetype. As Rooster Cogburn in “True Grit,” Wayne portrayed a gritty, one-eyed marshal with a penchant for whiskey and justice. His portrayal was so convincing it earned him an Academy Award.
Wayne’s Cogburn is rough around the edges but exhibits a heart of gold, especially when mentoring the young Mattie Ross. His gruff exterior belies a man of integrity, making him a quintessential cowboy hero.
The combination of Wayne’s physicality and iconic drawl has left a lasting legacy in Western cinema.
Clint Eastwood as The Man with No Name
Clint Eastwood’s role as The Man with No Name is legendary. This character, with his steely gaze and enigmatic silence, redefined the Western hero archetype. Appearing in Sergio Leone’s “Dollars Trilogy,” Eastwood’s portrayal was minimalistic yet incredibly powerful.
The Man with No Name is a gunslinger of few words, relying on his sharp wits and quicker trigger to navigate the lawless frontier. His ambiguous morality and rough charm make him an enduring figure in cinema.
Eastwood’s interpretation brought a modern edge to the Western genre, influencing countless films.
James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon
James Arness became a household name as Marshal Matt Dillon on “Gunsmoke,” one of the longest-running TV Westerns. His character was the embodiment of justice and resilience, maintaining law and order in the town of Dodge City.
Arness’s Dillon was a towering figure, both in stature and presence, with a strong moral compass that guided him through the challenges of frontier life. His portrayal was both authoritative and compassionate.
For over two decades, Arness captivated audiences, making Matt Dillon a symbol of steadfast resolve and ethical fortitude.
Yul Brynner as Chris Adams
Yul Brynner brought charisma and leadership to the role of Chris Adams in “The Magnificent Seven.” As the leader of a band of gunslingers, Brynner’s Adams is a strategic thinker and fearless protector.
His piercing eyes and commanding presence make him a natural leader, guiding his men through perilous situations with a cool head and steady hand. The film itself, a Western adaptation of “The Seven Samurai,” showcases Adams’ intelligence and bravery.
Brynner’s role cemented his status as an iconic cowboy, leading to a legacy of courage and camaraderie.
Sam Elliott as Virgil Earp
Sam Elliott’s portrayal of Virgil Earp in “Tombstone” is rich with authenticity and gravitas. Known for his deep, resonant voice, Elliott brings a quiet strength to the character, embodying the steadfast lawman of the Old West.
As the elder Earp brother, Virgil is a man of principle, standing firm in his quest for justice in a town rife with outlaws. His calm demeanor and unwavering resolve make him a formidable presence.
Elliott’s performance is marked by subtlety and depth, crafting a character as enduring as the Western landscape itself.
Steve McQueen as Josh Randall
Steve McQueen brought cool and charisma to Josh Randall in “Wanted: Dead or Alive.” As a bounty hunter, Randall’s character was defined by his ingenuity and independence, traits that McQueen embodied effortlessly.
The show offered a fresh take on the Western genre, with Randall using a sawn-off Winchester rifle, adding a unique twist to the traditional gunslinger image. McQueen’s effortless charm made him a beloved figure.
Randall was a complex character, walking the line between lawman and outlaw, which resonated with audiences and solidified McQueen’s star status.
Lee Van Cleef as Angel Eyes
Lee Van Cleef’s portrayal of Angel Eyes in “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” remains iconic. Known for his sharp features and intense gaze, Van Cleef played the role of a ruthless bounty hunter with a sinister charm.
Angel Eyes is a man driven by greed and power, yet his cunning and skill make him a formidable adversary. Van Cleef’s performance is chilling, bringing a menacing edge to the character.
His portrayal added a layer of complexity to the Western villain, making Angel Eyes an unforgettable figure in cinematic history.
Robert Duvall as Gus McCrae
Robert Duvall’s Gus McCrae in “Lonesome Dove” is a character imbued with charm and wit. Duvall’s portrayal of the retired Texas Ranger captivated audiences, bringing depth to the rugged cowboy persona.
Gus, with his philosophical musings and lively spirit, provides both humor and wisdom, balancing the harsh realities of frontier life. His camaraderie with fellow ranger Woodrow Call adds richness to the narrative.
Duvall’s nuanced performance captured the essence of a cowboy’s journey, making Gus a beloved and enduring character in Western lore.
Kevin Costner as John Dunbar
Kevin Costner’s portrayal of John Dunbar in “Dances with Wolves” brought a fresh perspective to the Western genre. As a disillusioned Union soldier who finds a new life among the Sioux, Dunbar’s journey is one of self-discovery and cultural appreciation.
Costner’s performance is layered with nuance, capturing Dunbar’s transformation from soldier to ally, bridging two worlds with empathy and respect. The film’s sweeping landscapes and intimate storytelling set a new standard for Western epics.
Costner’s role resonated with audiences, highlighting themes of unity and understanding.
Paul Newman as Butch Cassidy
Paul Newman’s portrayal of Butch Cassidy in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” is both charming and adventurous. Newman’s Butch is a charismatic outlaw with a sharp wit, constantly dreaming up new heists with his partner Sundance.
His easygoing nature and quick humor make him an endearing character, while his loyalty to Sundance adds depth to his persona. Newman’s performance exudes a playful energy that captivates audiences.
This film brought a modern twist to the Western genre, with Butch’s clever antics and Newman’s star power creating cinematic magic.
Henry Fonda as Wyatt Earp
Henry Fonda’s portrayal of Wyatt Earp in “My Darling Clementine” is a study in stoic heroism. Fonda brings a quiet dignity to the legendary lawman, who is tasked with bringing order to the chaos of Tombstone.
As Earp, Fonda embodies justice and resilience, capturing the essence of a man committed to his cause. His understated performance highlights Earp’s integrity and strength of character.
Fonda’s role helped solidify the mythos of Wyatt Earp, offering a nuanced look at the complexities of upholding the law in the Old West.
Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp
Kurt Russell’s Wyatt Earp in “Tombstone” is a captivating portrayal of courage and determination. Russell’s Earp is a man driven by justice, leading his brothers against notorious outlaws in the famous O.K. Corral.
His commanding presence and fierce dedication to the law make him a formidable figure, while his deep loyalty to family adds emotional depth. Russell captures the grit and heart of a true Western hero.
This interpretation resonated with audiences, solidifying Russell’s place in Western film history and breathing new life into the Wyatt Earp legend.