Robert Fuller considers his 2008 induction into the Hall of Great Western Performers at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City the pinnacle of his professional career. “That’s when I was inducted into the cowboy Hall of Fame, something I never dreamt would happen,” Fuller said. “I’m up on the wall with greats like Gary Cooper,” he added with pride and a touch of irony.
Fuller’s journey in Hollywood began with roles as an extra in numerous films, and he secured his first speaking part in the 1956 film Friendly Persuasion, where he acted alongside Gary Cooper. After retiring from acting in 2004, Fuller moved to Gainesville, Texas, with his wife, actress Jennifer Savidge. He expressed a desire to leave Hollywood behind and enjoy life among the welcoming people of Texas.
In his retirement, Fuller enjoys fishing, hunting, and horseback riding on his ranch. He also travels around the country attending western heritage festivals, such as the Spirit of the Cowboy Festival in McKinney, Texas, where he reunites with fellow cowboy actors like Alex Cord, Jim Drury, Burt Gilliam, and Bo Hopkins.
Fuller’s Hollywood career spanned over 50 years, and he became a beloved TV cowboy in shows like Laramie and Wagon Train. In the 1970s, he transitioned to playing Dr. Kelly Brackett in Emergency. One of his earliest uncredited roles was as a chorus boy in the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, where he danced alongside Marilyn Monroe during the iconic “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” number. Fuller remembered Monroe as a nervous but sweet individual who was supportive of the dancers.
Fuller’s rugged looks and affinity for Westerns made him a natural fit for the genre, which resonated with audiences due to its clear depiction of good triumphing over evil. Reflecting on his time on Wagon Train, Fuller recalled the physical challenges of riding in the authentic, unpadded wagons.
The popularity of TV Westerns peaked in the late 1950s with numerous primetime shows, but the genre declined in the 1960s as viewers’ interests shifted to crime dramas, sci-fi series, and comedies. Fuller attributed the downfall of TV Westerns to political pressure and changing social attitudes. He mentioned how organizations like the PTA criticized the depiction of violence and guns, leading to significant changes in the genre’s content.
Despite the decline of Westerns on television, Fuller keeps the spirit of the genre alive by participating in events like the Spirit of the Cowboy Festival, where he shares memories with devoted fans. Fuller, who turned 81 in July, has a loyal fan base, including followers from as far as Japan, where his character Jess Harper from Laramie was seen as a samurai-like figure, embodying justice and championing the underdog.
Fuller remains proud of the positive impact his roles have had on audiences, with many fans telling him how they modeled their lives after his characters.
