Clint Eastwood
10 Actors Who Starred In At Least 5 Great Western Movies
SUMMARY
John Wayne defined the classic Western hero, appearing in 83 Westerns, including timeless classics like “Stagecoach” and “True Grit.”
Clint Eastwood subverted the traditional Western genre with morally ambiguous characters, setting a precedent for Spaghetti and Revisionist Westerns.
James Stewart brought his relatable everyman persona to Westerns, portraying both protagonist and antagonist characters, showcasing his versatility.
SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY
The Western genre was an enormous entity in 20th-century filmmaking, and many actors were known primarily for appearing in them. Several actors left a distinct mark on the genre by starring in at least five great Western films. Many qualities constitute a great Western, be it that they were massively influential for their era, like Stagecoach, stood the test of time as masterpiece films, like Once Upon a Time in the West, or were commercially successful, like How the West Was Won.
When considering the great Western actors, names like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood immediately ring a bell. However, many other movie stars made fantastic contributions to the genre, bringing the mythos of Wild West gunslingers, bounty hunters, and lawmen to life. The 1940s-1960s saw many of the best Westerns ever made in a Golden Age for the genre. In the mass production of films in America and Spaghetti Westerns in Italy, certain stars clung to them, like Wayne, who appeared in eighty-three Westerns in his career.
10. John Wayne
John Wayne appeared in 83 Westerns in his career, including all-time classics.
John Wayne’s Western Movies
Release Year
Stagecoach
1939
The Searchers
1956
Rio Bravo
1959
True Grit
1969
El Dorado
1966
No actor is more synonymous with the classic Western than John Wayne. His extensive filmography of enduring and popular movies cemented Wayne’s legacy as an iconic screen legend. John Wayne helped define the archetypal Western hero, with tough, rugged characters like John T. Chance in Rio Bravo and Rooster Cogburn in True Grit, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Known primarily for his collaborations with director John Ford, Wayne’s impact on the Western genre is immeasurable.
9. Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood starred in iconic Spaghetti and Revisionist Westerns.
Clint Eastwood’s Western Movies
Release Year
A Fistful of Dollars
1964
For a Few Dollars More
1965
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
1966
The Outlaw Josey Wales
1976
Unforgiven
1992
While he’s still making films at the age of 93, many of Clint Eastwood’s best movies are his classic Westerns. While John Wayne represented a hero of traditional American values, Eastwood represented a subversion of the classical Western genre, known for his morally ambiguous characters. Eastwood’s “Man with No Name” in Sergio Leone’s “Dollars Trilogy” set a precedence for Spaghetti Westerns, and movies like Unforgiven set a gold standard for the revisionist Western genre. Though for reasons different from John Wayne’s, Clint Eastwood’s impact on the Western genre is absolutely vital.
8. James Stewart
James Stewart brought his everyman persona to the Wild West.
James Stewart’s Western Movies
Release Year
Destry Rides Again
1939
Winchester ’73
1950
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
1962
How the West Was Won
1962
The Shootist
1976
While known primarily for It’s a Wonderful Life and the works of Alfred Hitchcock, James Stewart also had quite a career in Westerns. Like his other films, Stewart brought a relatable, everyman persona to many of his Western characters. In some of James Stewart’s best Westerns, he even portrayed some antagonist characters, which were rare in his filmography. Despite them not being his forte, James Stewart was one of the iconic actors of his era who could do it all, from Westerns like The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and How the West Was Won to classic thrillers like Rope and Vertigo.
7. Franco Nero
Franco Nero was one of the most iconic Spaghetti Western stars.
Franco Nero’s Western Movies
Release Year
Django
1966
Massacre Time
1966
The Mercenary
1968
Compañeros
1970
Keoma
1976
After Clint Eastwood and Sergio Leone set the tone for Spaghetti Westerns, Italian actor Franco Nero found stardom in the genre. Known primarily for his role as the titular character in Django, Nero was a recognizable face in the violent Italian Western films of Sergio Corbucci, like Compañeros and The Mercenary. Franco Nero was a star during the 1960s and 1970s who made several significant contributions to the Western genre. In Quentin Tarantino’s loose remake, Django Unchained, Nero even made a cameo appearance.
6. Henry Fonda
Henry Fonda delivered one of the best Western villain performances.
Henry Fonda’s Western Movies
Release Year
The Ox-Bow Incident
1943
My Darling Clementine
1946
Fort Apache
1948
How the West Was Won
1962
Once Upon a Time in the West
1968
Like James Stewart, Henry Fonda’s iconic Hollywood career came from his everyman persona, best known for films like 12 Angry Men and The Grapes of Wrath. Fonda’s most outstanding contribution to the Western genre is enriched by its deviation from his usual character types. In Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West, Henry Fonda is unbelievable as the despicable villain, Frank. Aside from playing one of the great Western villains, Fonda starred in Westerns like How the West Was Won and My Name Is Nobody.
5. Gary Cooper
Gary Cooper played classic Western heroes.
Gary Cooper’s Western Movies
Release Year
The Westerner
1940
Vera Cruz
1954
High Noon
1952
Man of the West
1958
The Hanging Tree
1959
With iconic classics like High Noon and The Westerner, Gary Cooper cemented himself as a Western movie legend. His characters were typically strong, stoic, principled heroes, much like the characters John Wayne portrayed. Cooper was capable of conveying Western heroes through quiet, often understated performances that distinguished him. Though he didn’t have as many classics as many of the great Western stars, Cooper’s characters were often more relatable and authentic.
4. Lee Van Cleef
Lee Van Cleef played iconic Western villains in Sergio Leone’s films.
Lee Van Cleef’s Western Movies
Release Year
High Noon
1952
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
1962
How the West Was Won
1962
For a Few Dollars More
1965
The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
1966
While many great Western actors defined different aspects of the mythological hero, Lee Van Cleef was known for iconic antagonist characters. He’s best known for his roles in Sergio Leone’s films like For a Few Dollars More and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, playing cunning, morally ambiguous characters. There are several great Westerns where the villain stole the show, including Death Rides a Horse and For a Few Dollars More, where Van Cleef’s versatility allowed him to overshadow the likes of Clint Eastwood.
3. Charles Bronson
Charles Bronson starred in the ensemble Western, The Magnificent Seven.
Charles Bronson’s Western Movies
Release Year
Vera Cruz
1954
The Magnificent Seven
1960
Once Upon a Time in the West
1968
Red Sun
1971
The White Buffalo
1977
Charles Bronson established himself as a Hollywood superstar as one of the seven gunfighters in the 1960 classic The Magnificent Seven. Later in the ’60s, Bronson starred in Once Upon a Time in the West opposite Henry Fonda. While he was the film’s protagonist, his work bore more similarity to the antihero characters of Clint Eastwood. He was known for his stoic demeanor and powerful physical presence on screen, playing roles in other films like Death Wish and The Great Escape.
2. Randolph Scott
Randolph Scott played classic Western heroes in the 1940s and 1950s.
Randolph Scott’s Western Movies
Release Year
7 Men From Now
1956
The Tall T
1957
Ride Lonesome
1959
Comanche Station
1960
Ride the High Country
1962
During the 1940s and 1950s, Randolph Scott was one of the most prolific Western genre actors. Like many of the other early Western stars, Scott’s characters were known as honorable, principled men in the idealized version of the hero archetype. Movies like Seven Men from Now, Ride the High Country, and Comanche Station represent the best of his work, helping shape the genre in its earliest stages.
1. Robert Mitchum
Aside from starring in other famous films, Robert Mitchum had a great career in Westerns.
Robert Mitchum’s Western Movies
Release Year
Blood on the Moon
1948
The Lusty Men
1952
River of No Return
1954
El Dorado
1966
The Way West
1967
A movie star whose career included far more than just Westerns, Robert Mitchum appeared in classic noir films like The Night of the Hunter and the 1962 version of Out of the Past. As for his contributions to Westerns, he starred alongside John Wayne in El Dorado, playing the drunken Sheriff J.P. Harrah. In Blood on the Moon, Mitchum played one of his era’s more complex cowboy characters. With so many Western movies under his belt, Robert Mitchum was the perfect choice to narrate the movie Tombstone late in his career.
Clint Eastwood
From Clint Eastwood to Jason Statham, 5 Hollywood Badass Who Would Never be a MCU Superhero
Hollywood has seen plenty of actors portray the quintessential “badass” character with their rugged charm, fearless personas, and no-nonsense approach to their roles. However, not every one of these tough-as-nails stars is a natural fit for the larger-than-life world of superhero cinema, especially within the high-flying, action-packed universes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
1. Clint Eastwood
From A Fistful of Dollars to Cry Macho, Clint Eastwood has enjoyed a career spanning over six decades. Clint Eastwood is known for the tough, no-nonsense characters he portrayed throughout his career.
Suggested Article: “No one in the world knew…”: Paul Walker and Vin Diesel Were Able to Hide One Secret About Their Relationship For a Long Time
With his gravelly voice, Eastwood has always been the epitome of the Hollywood badass. The 93-year-old has often chosen to direct and act in serious, adult-oriented content. As revealed by CBR, the former mayor expresses his thoughts on the superhero genre.
“I read comic books when I was a kid, I don’t read them now. I prefer adult oriented stuff. I mean that in the PG-13 or R sense, but that’s as far as it goes.”
Clint Eastwood‘s focus remains distinctly elsewhere in an industry increasingly dominated by superhero narratives.
2. Naomi Watts
Naomi Watts has a broad range of acting skills, which she has showcased brilliantly in various genres, including serious dramas and psychological thrillers. While she has excelled in these genres, she prefers smaller, more personal projects and TV shows. Therefore, it is unlikely that she would be interested in taking up roles in superhero movies.
In an interview with The Times, Watts revealed that the film industry was in a “sad state,” which is why the actress prefers the drama genre.
“I definitely noticed that a lot of great writing was taking place in the TV format now, probably because of the sad state of the film industry and how all the films getting made are mostly in the franchise world, or superheroes or big comedy blockbuster-type movies, and I really tend to enjoy working in the drama genre.”
Nonetheless, her commitment to her craft and her ability to bring depth to her characters make her an asset to any project she chooses to undertake.
3. Matt Damon
Matt Damon is a highly respected and accomplished entertainment industry figure, receiving critical acclaim and widespread commercial success.
Despite his connections with influential individuals in the superhero genre, he has yet to take on a superhero role, which presents an opportunity to explore a new aspect of his craft and further expand his already impressive repertoire.
4. Jason Statham
It is unlikely that Jason Statham, who has openly expressed his preference for films that focus on human performance rather than special effects, would be interested in joining the superhero genre, especially the MCU.
In an interview with Digital Spy, Statham confirms that he is not interested in being a part of the Marvel universe.
“The fascination is superheroes, it’s what people want to go and see but you wouldn’t get me rushing to the cinema to see those. I like the old-fashioned type of film. They’ve never offered me a part in one of those and I don’t think the shoes would fit. Or the cape wouldn’t fit!”
Statham’s expertise and career choices align more with traditional action cinema. The actor’s legacy in the action genre is defined by intense stunts and a straightforward demeanor, which sets him apart in Hollywood as a unique figure, far removed from the superhero universe’s caped adventures.
5. Reese Witherspoon
Reese WitherspoonReese Witherspoon is an actress renowned for her versatility and has excelled in roles requiring strong character development. However, Witherspoon hasn’t been a part of the action-packed superhero movie genre of the MCU due to the diverse range of roles she has taken throughout her career.
Witherspoon seems to desire more substantial and complex characters, as evidenced by her past remarks about the lack of appealing roles in big-budget movies, including superhero films.
Clint Eastwood
From Al Pacino to Clint Eastwood, Here Are 9 Celebs Who Became Dads in Their Golden Years
Here Are 9 Older Celebs Who Welcomed Kids Later in Life
Also Read: Nick Cannon Defends Beyoncé’s Renaissance Premiere Look: “Kim Kardashian Wishes She Looked Like That”
Older celebs are rewriting the parenting playbook, proving that there’s no expiration date on fatherhood. Al Pacino and Robert De Niro have also joined the league of seasoned celebrity dads, challenging the conventional timeline. The National Center for Family and Marriage Research notes the average age for new fathers hovers between 27 and 30, but these icons are rewriting the script, embracing fatherhood past the age of 65. Juggling toddlers in your 30s is demanding enough, but these stars took on the challenge after retirement. From embracing the bachelor life to laser-focused careers, these nine celebrities deferred daddy duty until their 40s and beyond.
1. Al Pacino – 83 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Axelle
At 83, iconic actor Al Pacino defied age norms by becoming a father once again, welcoming a son named Roman Pacino with his 29-year-old girlfriend, producer Noor Alfallah. The couple’s relationship gained attention in April 2022, and a few months later, they joyfully announced the arrival of their child, who arrived in the summer of 2023. Already a father to three grown children—Julie Marie, Anton, and Olivia—Pacino embraces fatherhood anew with enthusiasm. His eldest daughter, Julie Marie, was born in 1989, when he was still married to Jan Tarrant, while the twins, Anton James and Olivia Rose, were welcomed in 2001 with Beverly D’Angelo, as per US Weekly.
2. Robert De Niro – 79 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Stephane Cardinale
At 79, legendary actor Robert De Niro surprised many by welcoming his seventh child, Gia Virginia Chen De Niro, in May 2023. During interviews, De Niro has also been quite frank about having so many kids, emphasizing the joy of expanding his family even at an advanced age. The iconic Oscar winner, whose oldest child is 51, acknowledged that parenthood doesn’t get easier but expressed contentment with embracing fatherhood once again. De Niro’s diverse family includes children from previous marriages and relationships, showcasing a 51-year age gap between his eldest and youngest offspring, as per Parents.
3. Mick Jagger – 73 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Paul Bergen
At the age of 73, Mick Jagger, the iconic frontman of The Rolling Stones, welcomed his eighth child with girlfriend Melanie Hamrick. The news was confirmed by his publicist, who also gave details about Jagger’s presence at the hospital and the well-being of the mother and baby. As per The Daily Mail, despite Jagger and Hamrick having no plans to marry, the rock legend flew from London to New York for the birth. Now at 79, Mick Jagger has a total of eight children, including sons James, Gabriel, and Lucas, and daughters Karis, Jade, Elizabeth, and Georgia May. In addition to his extensive family, Jagger is a grandfather to five and even became a great-grandfather in May 2014.
4. George Lucas – 69 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Taylor Hill
Star Wars creator George Lucas and Mellody Hobson embraced parenthood later in life with the birth of their daughter, Everest Hobson Lucas, on August 9, 2013. At the age of 69, Lucas, known for his directorial prowess, welcomed his first biological child through surrogacy. Everest joined Lucas’s family alongside his three adopted children, Amanda, Katie, and Jett. Hobson, Lucas’ wife, played a significant role in expanding their family in their later years. Today, at 79, George Lucas continues to navigate the joys of fatherhood with Everest, as per Reuters.
5. Billy Joel – 68 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Naomi Rahim
At the age of 68, legendary singer Billy Joel embraced fatherhood once again with the arrival of his daughter, Remy Anne, born to his fourth wife, Alexis Roderick, on October 22, 2017, at New York University Hospital, as per USA Today. This marked Joel’s third venture into parenthood, as his second daughter, Della, was born in 2015. The iconic Piano Man singer shared his joy by performing My Life the day after Della’s birth, proudly displaying photos of his newborn. Notably, Joel’s firstborn, Alexa Ray, is now 36, with her mother being Joel’s second wife, Christie Brinkley.
6. Steve Martin – 67 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Jon Kopaloff
Comedic legend Steve Martin welcomed fatherhood at 67 when his wife, Anne Stringfield, gave birth to their daughter Mary in December 2012. Known for his timeless roles, including Father of the Bride, Martin became a first-time dad after keeping the pregnancy a well-guarded secret. The couple’s age difference—Stringfield being 26 years younger—added to the surprise. Martin’s journey into parenthood was unconventional, considering he had portrayed a father on screen long before becoming one in real life. Mary, born in 2012, stands as the beloved actor’s only child, emphasizing that life’s most significant roles often come later in one’s narrative, as per Hollywood Life.
7. Clint Eastwood – 66 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Eddie Sanderson
At 66, Clint Eastwood welcomed his youngest daughter, Morgan Eastwood, on December 12, 1996, with his second wife Dina Eastwood, then 31. Despite his age, Eastwood asserted that he became a better father with enhanced parenting skills. Known for directing Sully, Eastwood also has six other children from previous marriages. Morgan, now 27, gained attention as a teen on E!’s Mrs. Eastwood & Company in 2012 and has since pursued a versatile career in the entertainment industry. She has acted in films like Million Dollar Baby and Changeling, produced a short film titled I See You, and contributed to the soundtrack of Johnny Mercer: The Dream’s on Me.
8. Alec Baldwin – 64 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Roy Rochlin
At 64, Alec Baldwin and his wife, Hilaria, celebrated the arrival of their eighth child, Ilaria Catalina Irena Baldwin, on September 22, 2022. The couple, expressing gratitude, shared the joyful news, emphasizing the magic and love surrounding their expanding family. Alec, known for his Saturday Night Live stint, has children from different marriages, including a daughter named Ireland with ex-wife Kim Basinger. Having tied the knot with Hilaria in 2012, the Baldwins embraced parenthood with zeal, with their latest addition, Ilaria, joining the Baldwinito clan, as per US Weekly.
9. Paul McCartney – 61 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Samir Hussein
At 61, Paul McCartney defied expectations by embracing fatherhood once again with the birth of his daughter, Beatrice Milly McCartney. His enthusiasm for parenting at an older age was evident as he expressed genuine delight in the experience. The Beatles legend, previously a father to three grown children from his first marriage, found joy in the ‘thrill’ and ‘education’ of raising a young child. This new chapter unfolded with his second wife, Heather Mills, marking the beginning of a different yet fulfilling fatherhood. Beatrice’s arrival brought immense joy to the couple, who described her as ‘a little beauty,’ as per Entertainment Weekly.
Clint Eastwood
The Netflix Clint Eastwood Thriller That’s Still An A+ In Suspense
In the Line of Fire is the story of a Secret Service agent named Frank Horrigan who suffers from severe PTSD stemming from his inability to stop a murder when he was younger. Failing to save anyone would be traumatizing, but Frank didn’t let “anyone” get killed. It was the JFK assassination that he failed to stop.
When an ex-CIA agent calling himself Booth (after John Wilkes) makes it known that he plans to kill the current president, Horrigan begs to be put on active duty again. The middle-aged secret service agent wants a chance to make up for not saving Kennedy by making sure this president doesn’t get taken out. What follows is a tense back and forth as Booth continuously contacts Horrigan to tease him about letting John F. Kennedy get shot as Frank attempts to locate and stop the would-be assassin.
-
Entertainment8 months agoJohn Wayne’s son speaks on military service, Hollywood life and his dad, ‘The Duke’ – My Blog
-
Entertainment8 months ago40 Legendary John Wayne Quotes – My Blog
-
Entertainment8 months agoNew biography reveals the real John Wayne – My Blog
-
Entertainment10 months agoWhy one POPULAR ACTOR was FIRED from THE SONS OF KATIE ELDER and lost his career as a result! – Old western – My Blog
-
Entertainment8 months agoHow Maureen O’Hara Broke Her Hand During Iconic Scene With John Wayne – My Blog
-
Entertainment8 months agoRio Lobo (1970) marked the last collaboration between John Wayne and Howard Hawks. – My Blog
-
Entertainment8 months agoDid John Wayne really have a good time filming 1972’s The Cowboys? – My Blog
-
Entertainment8 months agoJohn Wayne and the ‘Bonanza’ Cast Appeared in This Epic Coors Light Commercial – My Blog