John Smith

 Born Robert Errol Van Orden in Los Angeles, John Smith was the quintessential Western TV star of the 1950s and 1960s. A handsome, rugged actor with a gentle demeanor, Smith’s path to Hollywood began humbly. Before he was on screen, he worked behind the scenes as a messenger at MGM, where his good looks caught the eye of casting directors. Renaming himself “John Smith” as a playful act of irony, he began landing small roles in films like Carbine Williams (1952) and The High and the Mighty (1954), before breaking into television—where he would truly shine.

Smith found enduring fame with his role as Slim Sherman in the hit NBC Western Laramie (1959–1963). His portrayal of the steadfast ranch owner made him a household name and an icon of early television Westerns. He also appeared in Cimarron City and guest-starred on countless popular shows of the era. Though his acting range extended beyond the Western genre, Hollywood typecasting kept him in the saddle for much of his career. Audiences loved his integrity and authenticity, qualities that made his characters relatable and admired. Off-screen, Smith was known as a thoughtful, down-to-earth man who appreciated the connection he had with fans across America.

However, Smith’s career began to wane as the Western genre declined in the late 1960s. He struggled to find roles that matched his earlier success, and his later years were quieter. Yet his contribution to television remains significant—he represented the moral clarity and stoicism that defined a generation of on-screen heroes. John Smith’s legacy lies in his ability to bring dignity and humanity to the rugged West, and though his life ended in 1995, his image as a true gentleman of the small screen endures among those who remember the golden age of TV Westerns.