John Smith

 John Smith, born Robert Errol Van Orden (March 6, 1931 – January 25, 1995)

In the early 1940's, Smith joined the Robert Mitchell Boys Choir and appeared in several films, including Bing Crosby's Going My Way and The Bells of St. Mary's, as an uncredited choir member. He later went to work for MGM, and was renamed by his agent Henry Willson in contrast to the more exciting names of Willson's other clients as he was "the only John Smith in the business". In 1955, Smith played the part of James Earp, older brother of Wyatt Earp in the film Wichita, starring Joel McCrea and Vera Miles. In 1956, Smith had a small role as Caleb Cope in the film Friendly Persuasion, starring Gary Cooper. He played Jeff Northrup in another 1956 film, Hot Rod Girl. In the 1958–1959 television season, Smith landed a starring role as the blacksmith/deputy sheriff Lane Temple on Cimarron City. In 1959, he was cast as the young rancher Slim Sherman, the lead role on Laramie (1959–1963). In 1968 and 1970, he appeared in two episodes of The Virginian. He also appeared on Emergency!, I Spy, Adam 12, and Police Woman, among others. Smith died on January 25, 1995 at the age of 63, of cirrhosis of the liver and heart problems. He was cremated, and his ashes were scattered at sea.