Western TV shows from the 50s and 60s hold a special place in television history, delivering iconic series like Bonanza, Rawhide, and The Lone Ranger. Among these classics, The Virginian, inspired by Owen Wister’s novel The Virginian: Horseman of the Plains, stands out. While James Drury as The Virginian is central, the character of Trampas, portrayed by Doug McClure, became a fan favorite. McClure’s charismatic and humorous take on Trampas made him a household name for eight seasons. But for those unfamiliar with the original novel, a key question arises: Why Did The Virginian Kill Trampas?
Doug McClure’s journey to becoming Trampas began far from the Shiloh Ranch. Born Douglas Osborne McClure in Glendale, California, he excelled as an athlete, notably as a high school football quarterback. However, a school play sparked his passion for acting. He honed his skills at Santa Monica City College and UCLA before entering Hollywood. Early roles in TV shows like Death Valley Days and Maverick, and a part in the film Gidget, paved the way for his breakthrough role as Jed Sills in Checkmate. This success led him to the role that would define his career: Trampas in The Virginian.
The television adaptation of The Virginian took a significant departure from Owen Wister’s original depiction of Trampas. In the novel, Trampas is unequivocally a villain, ultimately meeting his end at the hands of The Virginian. However, the TV series producers reimagined Trampas as a lively and engaging ranch hand. This transformation was pivotal. Instead of being a one-dimensional antagonist, Trampas evolved into a complex character with depth and humor, providing a compelling contrast to the more stoic figures at Shiloh Ranch. This change resonated deeply with audiences, turning Trampas into a beloved character who remained a fixture throughout the series’ run and even in its spin-off, The Men From Shiloh.
Doug McClure as Trampas with cast of The Virginian
According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, Doug McClure himself recognized the special connection he had with the role of Trampas. He attributed the show’s enduring success to the cast’s genuine enthusiasm and enjoyment in bringing the stories to life. “I always felt I had a great thing doing Trampas,” McClure stated, highlighting his personal investment and the unique appeal of his character.
Beyond The Virginian, McClure built an extensive filmography, appearing in films spanning various genres, including westerns like Shenandoah and The Unforgiven, science fiction adventures such as At the Earth’s Core and The Land That Time Forgot, and comedies like Cannonball Run II. He also maintained a strong presence on television, guest-starring in popular series like Overland Trail, Matlock, and Magnum, P.I. Despite his prolific career, those who knew McClure remember him as a man who prioritized enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
Paul Dean, a longtime friend, described McClure to the Los Angeles Times as “not a driven actor.” Dean elaborated, “He saw it as a job that paid well, came easily and allowed him maximum time for the really important things in life–the beach, volleyball, surfing, working out, all sports, enjoying the California where he was born and tennis anywhere, with anyone, at the drop of a racquet.”
Doug McClure’s life was cut short by lung cancer in 1995. He left behind a legacy not only as Trampas but as a versatile actor who embraced life with zest. His contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized with stars on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Newhall’s Western Walk of Fame, solidifying his place in television history. So, while the question “Why did the Virginian kill Trampas?” points to the original novel’s darker narrative, the TV series chose a different path, allowing Doug McClure’s Trampas to live on in the hearts of viewers, not as a villain, but as a cherished and enduring character of the American West.
