John Lawrence Russell was a renowned American actor, World War II veteran, and television personality, best known for his iconic roles in the ABC western television series Lawman and Soldiers of Fortune. Born with a passion for acting, Russell began his career in the entertainment industry by signing a contract with 20th Century Fox in 1945.
He made his film debut as a guard in the 1945 movie A Royal Scandal, followed by supporting roles in several notable films, including the comedy Sitting Pretty and the drama Slattery's Hurricane. Russell's talent and versatility soon caught the attention of Republic Pictures, which led to him being cast in a starring role.
In 1955, Russell landed the lead role in the television drama series Soldiers of Fortune, which marked the beginning of his successful television career. Four years later, he was cast as Marshal Dan Troop in the ABC/Warners hit western series Lawman, which ran for four seasons. The show co-starred Peter Brown as Deputy Johnny McKay and Peggie Castle as Lily Merrill, the owner of the Birdcage Saloon.
During his time on Lawman, Russell also appeared in the 1958 season premiere episode of Sugarfoot, another ABC/WB hit western, alongside Edd Byrnes and Rodolfo Hoyos Jr. He played the role of a US frontier peace officer mentoring his younger compatriot, showcasing his exceptional acting skills.
In addition to his work on television, Russell appeared in several motion pictures for Warner Bros., including the highly acclaimed western Rio Bravo, starring John Wayne. He also played secondary roles in more than 20 films, including several A.C. Lyles westerns and three films directed by his friend Clint Eastwood.
One of Russell's most notable roles was as Marshal Stockburn, the chief villain in Eastwood's 1985 film Pale Rider. He also appeared in the second season of the Filmation children's science-fiction series Jason of Star Command, playing the role of Commander Stone, a blue-skinned alien from Alpha Centauri.
Throughout his career, Russell was known for his dedication to his craft and his ability to bring characters to life on screen. His legacy continues to be celebrated by fans of classic westerns and science fiction, and his iconic roles in Lawman and Soldiers of Fortune remain a testament to his enduring talent and popularity.
