James Drury: A Look At The Life And Legacy Of The Celebrated Actor

James Drury was not just an actor; he was a beloved figure in American television history. Known for his iconic role in the Western series "The Virginian," Drury's career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His journey from a young boy in New York City to a household name is a testament to his talent and dedication to the craft of acting.

Born on April 18, 1934, in New York City, James Child Drury grew up in a family that valued education and the arts. The son of a New York University professor, he spent his formative years divided between the bustling streets of Manhattan and the serene landscapes of Oregon, where his mother managed a ranch. This unique upbringing not only instilled a love for storytelling in him but also provided him with experiences that would later influence his acting career.

Drury's foray into acting began at a young age, making his stage debut at just eight years old. Over the years, he honed his craft, eventually landing roles in major films and television shows. Despite challenges, including a fluctuating career in the early years, Drury's perseverance paid off when he secured his most famous role as the ranch foreman in "The Virginian." This achievement solidified his status as a prominent actor and garnered him a loyal fan base.

Biography of James Drury

What is James Drury's Net Worth?

James Drury was an American actor who had a net worth of $1.5 million at the time of his death in April 2020. James is best remembered for his title role in the 90-minute weekly Western TV series "The Virginian," which aired on NBC from 1962 to 1971.

He was born James Child Drury on April 18, 1934, in New York City, New York. Being the son of a New York University professor, Drury spent his childhood dividing his time between Manhattan and Oregon, where his mother ran a ranch. Drury was just eight years old when he made his stage debut as King Herod in a Christmas production at a Greenwich Village settlement house.

By the age of 10, he became a voracious reader, often acting out the characters in the books. The moment when Drury dove full-force into acting was during his studies at New York University. Having honed his craft to a high level of perfection, he was signed by MGM in 1954. His early roles were often as the "other guy in the room," like in "Forbidden Planet" (1956), leading to his contract lapsing.

Next, he spent time at 20th Century-Fox, supporting Pat Boone in "Bernardine" (1957) and Elvis Presley in "Love Me Tender" (1958). In the early 1960s, he made memorable guest appearances on detective series like "Bourbon Street Beat" and the drama series "Perry Mason." He also played secondary roles for Walt Disney, and in 1962, he landed the top-billed leading role of the ranch foreman on "The Virginian," a hit series that ran for nine seasons. After reaching the peak of his career, Drury was not seen much after the show, except for playing the lead on the small screen "Firehouse," which ran on the ABC network for eight months in 1974.