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Personajes icónicos de la televisión del Viejo Oeste

Explore the legendary cowboys, marshals, and outlaws who defined the golden era of Old West TV series. From brave heroes to memorable villains, this list celebrates the characters who left an indelible mark on television culture. Discover who are the most beloved and recognised in Western TV history, covering productions from the 1950s to the most recent. Vote for your favourites and help decide who the true legends of the frontier are.

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  1. 1

    The Lone Ranger (The Lone Ranger)

    186 Global Votes
    • Iconic mask, white hat, and silver bullets

      (+2)

    The Lone Ranger is an archetypal masked Western hero who fought for justice, influencing post-World War II children's moral values with his fair-play code. His television series, which aired from 1949 to 1957, cemented him as a legendary small-screen figure, with Clayton Moore permanently associated with the role.

  2. 2

    Tonto (The Lone Ranger)

    186 Global Votes
    • Iconic character from a legendary Western TV show

      (+2)

    Tonto is a pivotal character in televised Old West popular culture, serving as the iconic Native American companion to the Lone Ranger. His presence in the 1949 television series made him a recognizable figure and a hero for many viewers, noted for his loyalty and wisdom.

  3. 3

    Paladin (Have Gun - Will Travel)

    0 Global Votes
    • Troubleshooting cowboy who answered distress calls

    Paladin stands out for his unique blend of intellect, sophistication, and lethality in the Wild West, offering a complex view of the hero. His moral code and willingness to use force for justice establish him as a memorable figure in Western fiction.

  4. 4

    Marshal Matt Dillon

    0 Global Votes
    • U.S. Marshal of Dodge City

      (+1)

    Marshal Matt Dillon is a central figure in the history of Old West television, having starred in the iconic series 'Gunsmoke' for two decades. His portrayal as a U.S. Marshal dedicated to justice in dangerous Dodge City established him as an archetype of the frontier hero, leaving a lasting mark on the genre.

  5. 5

    Bret Maverick (Maverick)

    0 Global Votes
    • Charming and unflappable gambler

      (+2)

    Bret Maverick stands out for his unique approach to the Old West, combining charm and cunning instead of brute force. His quick wit and poker prowess establish him as a memorable character who redefined the Western hero archetype.

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  7. 6

    Bart Maverick (Maverick)

    0 Global Votes

    Bart Maverick is an iconic character of televised Old West due to his charisma and pivotal role in the series "Maverick". His cunning personality and elegant gambler's demeanor, often contrasting with his brother Bret's joviality, made him a memorable and distinctive figure of the Western genre.

  8. 7

    Marshal Wyatt Earp (The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp)

    0 Global Votes
    • Portrayed a legendary lawman

      (+1)

    Marshal Wyatt Earp established himself as a defining figure of the television Western genre, capturing the essence of the frontier hero through his portrayal in 'The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp'. His on-screen presence and stories of Old West justice resonated deeply with audiences, cementing his status as an iconic character. The series significantly contributed to the popularity of Westerns on television during the 1950s and early 60s.

  9. 8

    Josh Randall (Wanted: Dead Or Alive)

    0 Global Votes
    • One of the toughest Western characters on TV in the 1950s

      (+2)

    Josh Randall stands out for his iconic weapon, the "Mare's Leg", a customized Winchester carbine that became a symbol of the character and the series. His complexity as a bounty hunter with a strong moral code, portrayed by Steve McQueen, established him as a fascinating anti-hero and an unforgettable figure in television Westerns.

  10. 9

    Major Seth Adams

    0 Global Votes
    • Served as the anchor of the show

      (+1)

    Major Seth Adams is a foundational character who defined the archetype of the Old West leader on television, embodying tenacity and a pioneering spirit. His portrayal by Ward Bond imbued him with an authority and warmth that resonated deeply with audiences, cementing him as an iconic figure of the television Western genre.

  11. 10

    Annie Oakley

    0 Global Votes
    • Legendary Wild West sharpshooter

      (+4)

    The character of Annie Oakley became an iconic Old West television figure by presenting a strong, independent woman in a male-dominated genre. Her sharpshooting skills and advocacy for women's rights established her as a role model for 1950s audiences.

  12. 11

    Calamity Jane (Various TV adaptations)

    0 Global Votes

    Calamity Jane is a recurring and fascinating character in Old West television, standing out for her untamed spirit and her portrayal of women on the frontier. Her various adaptations, from animated series to biographical dramas and appearances in acclaimed productions like 'Deadwood', have cemented her legacy as an iconic and complex figure of the genre.

  13. 12

    Wild Bill Hickok (The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok)

    0 Global Votes
    • Legendary Old West lawman

      (+1)

    The character of Wild Bill Hickok in "The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok" became an archetype of the Old West hero on television. His portrayal as a righteous and brave gunslinger set a standard for protagonists in the genre, influencing future productions. The series popularized his exploits and image, making him recognizable to millions of viewers.

  14. 13

    Cheyenne Bodie (Cheyenne)

    0 Global Votes
    • Rugged, tall, and honorable cowboy

      (+2)

    Cheyenne Bodie became an archetype of the Old West hero, embodying justice and adventure on the frontier. His series was groundbreaking as television's first hour-long western, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

  15. 14

    Lucas McCain (The Rifleman)

    0 Global Votes

    Lucas McCain is a central character in the mythology of televised Old West, distinguished by his marksmanship and unwavering moral code. His role as a widowed father raising his son on the frontier, while upholding justice with his rifle, makes him an enduring archetype of the Western hero.

Frequently asked questions

" This ranking evaluates the enduring legacy and cultural impact of characters from Old West television series, based on their recognition and influence within the genre."
" Users can participate by voting for their favorite Old West television characters listed, helping to determine which ones are considered the most iconic by the community."
" The results reflect the popularity and recognition of the characters among genre enthusiasts, offering insight into which are considered most iconic by the voting community.""
" No, this ranking focuses exclusively on characters that originated from Old West television series, such as Matt Dillon, Lucas McCain, or Ben Cartwright, and not from cinematic films.""
" Television programs set in the latter half of the 19th century in the American Old West, Western Canada, and Mexico, featuring cowboys and other legendary figures from that era, are considered.""

How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing

" The ranking of Iconic Old West Television Characters is based on the cultural relevance and enduring legacy of characters who have left an indelible mark on the genre. Our method combines popular recognition with historical influence within the context of Western television series."

  • " Characters consistently mentioned as iconic in various discussions and lists of top television Western characters are considered.""
  • " A character's relevance is assessed by their impact on their series' plot, their development over seasons, and their ability to represent the values and challenges of the Old West.""
  • " The longevity of the series in which the character appeared, as well as the overall popularity of the show, are valued as they contribute to the character's visibility and iconic status.""
  • " Community participation through votes and mentions is a key factor in determining which characters resonate most with current audiences and genre fans.""
  • " Attention is paid to the character's ability to transcend the screen and become an archetype or cultural reference within the collective imagination of the Old West.""
  • " The character must have been a protagonist or a recurring main character in an Old West television series, not a cinematic film.""
  • " Priority is given to characters who appeared in series aired during the golden age of television Westerns, though exceptions are considered for those with significant more recent cultural impact.""
  • " The character must be recognizable and have left a lasting impression on the audience, being frequently remembered and discussed in the context of Old West television.""
  • " The originality of the character and their contribution to the evolution of the Western hero or anti-hero archetype on television are valued.""
  • " The sustained popularity of the character over time, evidenced by their mention in 'best' or 'most iconic' lists, is an important factor.""