Richard Boone died on January 10, 1981, at the age of 68. His death occurred in Los Angeles, California, and was attributed to complications from cancer. Boone, an American actor best known for his work in film and on television, passed away several years after his final notable screen appearances. The following details clarify the date, circumstances, and available public information about his death.
Date and circumstances of death
On January 10, 1981, Richard Boone died in Los Angeles, California. Reports from the time indicated the cause was cancer-related complications. No widely circulated immediate public statements beyond brief news notices were preserved in mainstream archives, but the date is consistently listed in reliable references.
Career context at time of death
At the time of his death, Boone had been away from the peak of his television fame for several years. His most prominent work occurred in the 1950s and early 1960s, and he had transitioned into character roles and occasional directing by the late 1970s. His passing at 68 marked the end of a career that helped define Western and adventure television in the 1950s.
Biographical summary
Richard Boone was an American actor born on June 18, 1912. He gained recognition for roles in Westerns and adventure series, most notably as the lead in Have Gun – Will Travel. Understanding his career timeline helps contextualize his later work and the circumstances surrounding his death.
Key dates and verified details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | January 10, 1981 | Obituary records |
| Age at death | 68 | Obituary records |
| Place of death | Los Angeles, California, USA | Reputable biographies |
| Reported cause | Cancer complications | News reports and obituaries |
| Notable peak work | 1950s–early 1960s, including Have Gun – Will Travel | Television archives |
Common questions about his death
Many inquiries about Boone focus on where he died, how old he was, and whether his death was publicly reported at the time. The verified details align with standard reference sources, and no evidence supports alternate dates or causes. His passing was noted in regional and national obituary sections, consistent with his profile as a recognized actor.
Comparison with contemporaries
Compared with other television Western leads of his era, Boone’s career extended into film and limited series work into the 1970s. His death in 1981 followed several key peers by varying margins, but the timeline fits within the broader cohort of mid-20th-century actors who transitioned from live television to later-career character work.
Legacy and remembrance
Richard Boone is remembered primarily for his lead role in Have Gun – Will Travel and his presence in classic television Westerns. Discussions of his death often reference his steady professionalism and the transition from broadcast television’s golden age into the modern era. His contributions remain a point of reference for historians of 1950s entertainment.