NathanOn Adding Drama
The producer of the show Arnold Laven wanted to tweak some details before final productions. He decided to make Lucas McCain a widower with one son, changing McCain’s character as a pistol sharpshooter to someone with a dead shot with a rifle. Lucas McCain actually claimed the 32nd spot on TV Guide’s list of the “50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time” on its issue in 2004.
Amazingly Ambidextrous
Lucas McCain was such an expert that he rarely ever misses his targets and is equally sharp with both hands. If you have noticed, he even makes changes in the which hand he uses during some shooting scenes. This amazing talent of McCain had never been officially spoken about by Connors or other cast mates.
The Coffin Nails
Smoking was a very sinful vice during the 1950s. Even in the show The Rifleman, Lucas McCain only ever had one cigarette in the whole of the show. But in reality, Chuck Connors was a man who would consume 60 cigarettes daily. This could have been the reason as to why he died of lung cancer and pneumonia in 1992.
Multiple Spin-Offs
Lucas was sure to teach his son Mark about a lot of lessons in life especially morality and dignity. They were very friendly to one another. McCain also had a few adult pals like the plainsman played by Michael Ansara. This character was in two installments of The Rifleman ending up with a show of his own called Law of the Plainsman back in 1959. Today all these once top rated tv shows can be watched online in the comfort of our homes.
A Widower’s Peak
In the history of American television, Lucas McCain has become an iconic parent character. He became the first-ever single dad raising his son alone on television. Connors was sure to give credit to Sam Peckinpah who enabled them to play roles that were so endearing and relatable all through his writing.
A Well Rounded Athlete
Chuck Connors grew up in Brooklyn becoming a teammate on the first-ever Boston Celtics team in the year 1946. Connors was also the first ever recorded professional basketball player to shatter a backboard. Many sports teams were o enthralled by his abilities and soon his career sin sports flourished.